First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1code
noun \ˈkōd\
: 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
Full 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>
3
a : a system of signals or symbols for communication b : a system of symbols (as letters or numbers) used to represent assigned and often secret meanings
4
5
: a set of instructions for a computer
— code·less \-ləs\ adjective
See code defined for English-language learners
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Origin of CODE
Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin caudex, codex trunk of a tree, document formed originally from wooden tablets
Related to CODE
- Synonyms
- canon, constitution, decalogue, law
2code
verb
: 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
cod·edcod·ing
Full Definition of CODE
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>
— cod·able \ˈkō-də-bəl\ adjective
— cod·er noun
See code defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CODE
1815
CODE Defined for Kids
1code
noun \ˈkōd\
Definition of CODE for Kids
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
5
: a set of instructions for a computer
2code
verb
cod·edcod·ing
Definition of CODE for Kids
: to put in the form of a code
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