code

play

noun \ˈkōd\

Definition of code

1 : a systematic statement of a body of law; especially : one given statutory force
2 : a system of principles or rules moral code
3a : a system of signals or symbols for communicationb : a system of symbols (such as letters or numbers) used to represent assigned and often secret meanings
4 : genetic code
5 : instructions for a computer (as within a piece of software) writing code for a new app

codeless

play \ˈkōd-ləs\ adjective

See code defined for English-language learners

See code defined for kids

Examples of code in a sentence

Everyone in the organization has to follow its code of ethics.
The army has a strict code of conduct.
The enemy was unable to break the army's secret code.
The message was sent in code.
Every item in the store has a product code.
Enter your security code to access the computer.
Each employee is given a code number.
He was hired to write programming code.

Origin and Etymology of code

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin caudex, codex trunk of a tree, document formed originally from wooden tablets

First Known Use: 14th century

code

verb

Definition of code

coded

;

coding

transitive verb
: to put in or into the form or symbols of a code
intransitive verb
: to specify the genetic code a gene that codes for a protein

codable

play \ˈkō-də-bəl\ adjective

coder

noun

See code defined for English-language learners

Examples of code in a sentence

The general sent a coded message.
Each product has been coded.

1815

First Known Use of code

1815

CODE Defined for English Language Learners

code

play

noun \ˈkōd\

Definition of code for English Language Learners

: a set of laws or regulations
: a set of ideas or rules about how to behave
: a set of letters, numbers, symbols, etc., that is used to secretly send messages to someone

code

verb

Definition of code for English Language Learners

: to put (a message) into the form of a code so that it can be kept secret
: to mark (something) with a code so that it can be identified
: to change (information) into a set of letters, numbers, or symbols that can be read by a computer

CODE Defined for Kids

code

play

noun \ˈkōd\

Definition of code for Students

1 : a system of rules or principles a code of conduct
2 : a system of signals or letters and symbols with special meanings used for sending messages
3 : a collection of laws criminal code
4 : genetic code
5 : a set of instructions for a computer

code

play

verb

Definition of code for Students

coded

;

coding

: to put in the form of a code

Medical Dictionary

code

play

noun \ˈkōd\

Medical Definition of code

1: genetic code
2: code blue

code

verb

Medical Definition of code

coded

;

coding

transitive verb

: to specify the genetic code for an amino acid coded by a nucleotide sequence

1
intransitive verb

: to specify the genetic code the DNA sequence of the gene that codes for that protein—Gina B. Kolata

2: to experience cardiac arrest or respiratory failure They were taking her up to the operating room and she coded in the hallway. The resuscitation effort was heroic.—Perri Klass, Discover, November 1986

Law Dictionary

code

noun

Legal Definition of code

1 : a systematic compilation or revision of law or legal principles that is arranged especially by subject: as a : one that contains the law of a specific jurisdiction or topic promulgated by legislative authority U.S. Code Code of Massachusetts Regulations building code — see also in the back matter — compare case law, digest, statute b : one that serves as a model for legislation but is not itself a law Model Penal Code
2 : a set of rules or regulations that is promulgated by a body (as a professional organization) and that regulates its industrial or professional practices ABA Code of Professional Responsibility