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1. Dictionary

   code

   /kəʊd/

   noun

   • 1. a system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purposes of secrecy: "the Americans cracked their diplomatic code" Similar ciphersecret languagesecret writingset of symbolskeyhieroglyphicscoded messagecryptogramrare:cryptograph
   • ▪ a phrase or concept used to represent another in an indirect way: "‘We'll catch up soon’ is usually a code for ‘I'm not that into you’"
   • ▪ a series of letters, numbers, or symbols assigned to something for the purposes of classification or identification: "each box had a label with the code SC 90"
   • ▪ short for dialling code
   • 2. program instructions: "assembly code"
   • 3. a systematic collection of laws or statutes: "a revision of the penal code" Similar lawlawsbody of lawrulesregulationsconstitutionsystemchartercanonjurisprudence
   • ▪ a set of conventions or moral principles governing behaviour in a particular sphere: "a strict dress code" Similar set of principlesset of standardsset of customsmannersethicsmoralsmoralityconventionaccepted behaviouretiquetteprotocol

   verb

   • 1. convert (the words of a message) into a code so as to convey a secret meaning: "only Mitch knew how to read the message—even the name was coded"
   • ▪ express the meaning of (a statement) in an indirect way: "they code their language when talking to the general public"
   • ▪ assign a code to (something) for purposes of classification or identification: "she coded the samples and sent them for dissection"
   • 2. write code for (a computer program): "most developers code C + + like C"
   • 3. be the genetic code 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 codes for eye colour"

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

   Scrabble Points: 7

   • C

     3

   • O

     1

   • D

     2

   • E

     1

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