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).