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   code

   /kōd/

   noun

   • 1. a 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" Similar ciphersecret languagesecret writingset of symbolskeyhieroglyphicscoded messagecryptogramrare:cryptograph
   • ▪ 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"
   • 2. program instructions: "assembly code"
   • 3. a systematic collection of laws or regulations: "the criminal code" Similar lawlawsbody of lawrulesregulationsconstitutionsystemchartercanonjurisprudence
   • ▪ a set of conventions governing behavior or activity in a particular sphere: "a dress code" Similar set of principlesset of standardsset of customsmannersethicsmoralsmoralityconventionaccepted behavioretiquetteprotocol
   • ▪ a set of rules and standards adhered to by a society, class, or individual: "a stern code of honor"

   verb

   • 1. convert (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: "they code their language when talking to the general public"
   • ▪ assign a code to (something) for purposes of classification, analysis, or identification: "she coded the samples and sent them down for dissection"
   • 2. write code for (a computer program): "most developers code C + + like C"
   • 3. 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 codes for eye color"

   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

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     1

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