code

Syllabification: (code)

Pronunciation: /kōd/

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Definition of code

noun

1a system of words, letters, figures, or other symbols substituted for other words, letters, etc., especially for the purposes of secrecy:the Americans cracked their diplomatic code sending messages in code
a system of signals, such as sounds, light flashes, or flags, used to send messages:Morse code
a series of letters, numbers, or symbols assigned to something for the purposes of classification or identification:the genetic code calls with either code will work in the 201 area

2 Computing program instructions:hundreds of lines of code assembly code

3a systematic collection of laws or regulations:the criminal code
a set of conventions governing behavior or activity in a particular sphere:a dress code
a set of rules and standards adhered to by a society, class, or individual:a stern code of honor

verb

[with object]

1convert (the words of a message) into a particular code in order to convey a secret meaning:only Mitch knew how to read the message—even the name was coded
express the meaning of (a statement or communication) in an indirect or euphemistic way: (as adjective coded)a national campaign against “playing by ear,” a coded phrase that meant jazz
assign a code to (something) for purposes of classification, analysis, or identification:she coded the samples and sent them down for dissection

2write code for (a computer program):most developers code C + + like C [no object]:I no longer actively code in PHP

3 [no object] (code for) Biochemistry specify the genetic sequence for (an amino acid or protein):genes that code for human growth hormone
be the genetic determiner of (a characteristic):one pair of homologous chromosomes that codes for eye color

Phrases

bring something up to code: renovate an old building or update its features in line with the latest building regulations.

Derivatives

coder

Origin:

Middle English: via Old French from Latin codex, codic- (see codex). The term originally denoted a systematic collection of statutes made by one of the later Roman emperors, particularly that of Justinian; compare with code (sense 3 of the noun) (mid 18th century), the earliest modern sense

code in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of code in the British & World English dictionary

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Other

code

noun

verb

Phrases

bring something up to code

Derivatives

coder

Origin:

code in other Oxford dictionaries

Nearby words

More results for code

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