n.
   - a system of words, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purposes of secrecy. ▸a series of letters or numbers assigned to something to classify or identify it. ▸short for dialling code. 
- Computing  program instructions.
- a systematic collection of laws or statutes:![]()  the penal code. ▸a set of conventions or principles governing behaviour or activity in a particular sphere. 
v.
   - convert into a code. ▸assign a code to for purposes of classification or identification. 
- 
(code for)
 Genetics  be the genetic code for (an amino acid or protein). ▸be the genetic determiner of (a characteristic). 
- write code for (a computer program).
Derivative
  
    - coder n.
- coding n. & adj.
 
  Etymology
  ME (orig. denoting a systematic collection of statutes made by one of the later Roman emperors): via OFr. from L. codex, codic- (see codex).