Definition of cipher
1a : zero 1ab : one that has no weight, worth, or influence : nonentity She was nothing more than a cipher.
2a : a method of transforming a text in order to conceal its meaning secret communications written in cipher — compare code 3bb : a message in code The cipher cannot be decoded without the key.
3 : arabic numeral
4 : a combination of symbolic letters; especially : the interwoven initials of a name coins that bore the cipher of the sultan
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Examples of cipher in a sentence
a cipher that can't be decoded
She was nothing more than a cipher.
Origin and Etymology of cipher
Middle English, from Medieval Latin cifra, from Arabic ṣifr empty, cipher, zero
First Known Use: 14th century
cipher
Definition of cipher
ciphered
;ciphering
play \-f(ə-)riŋ\intransitive verb
: to use figures in a mathematical process all children should learn to read, write, and cipher — M. Pattison
transitive verb
1 : encipher ciphered the letters that passed between the two heads of state
2 : to compute arithmetically ciphered out the sum in his head
Examples of cipher in a sentence
were surprised by how much we had spent on the cruise after we had ciphered out the grand total
Origin and Etymology of cipher
see 1cipher
First Known Use: circa 1530
CIPHER Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of cipher for English Language Learners
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: a way of changing a message to keep it secret
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: a person who has no power or is not important
CIPHER Defined for Kids
Learn More about cipher
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See words that rhyme with cipher Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cipher Spanish Central: Translation of cipher Nglish: Translation of cipher for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cipher for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cipher
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