encode

verb

en·​code in-ˈkōd 

en-

encoded; encoding; encodes

transitive verb

1

a

: to convert (something, such as a body of information) from one system of communication into another

especially : to convert (a message) into code

b

: to convey symbolically

the capacity of poetry to encode ideology

—J. D. Niles

2

: to specify the genetic code for

encoder noun

Examples of encode in a Sentence

Credit cards are encoded with cardholder information.

a technology that encodes images

Recent Examples on the Web

Whole numbers can also be encoded as strings of zeros and ones, in what is called binary form, where they are expressed as sums of powers of 2. —Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2024

Over the finite field with two elements, the coefficients and whole numbers of polynomials are both encoded as strings of zeros and ones. —Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

encode

verb

en·​code in-ˈkōd 

en-

: to change (as a body of information) from one system of communication into another

especially : to change (a message) into code

encoder noun

Medical Definition

encode

transitive verb

en·​code in-ˈkōd, en- 

encoded; encoding

: to specify the genetic code for

each nucleotide triplet or codon on the mRNA chain encodes a specific amino acid

—J. E. Darnell, Jr.