code

Pluralcodes

Formscodes, coding, coded

1. 1
   nouncountable or uncountable

   A group of letters, numbers, or symbols used to name or stand for something, like a product, place, or key.

   Like a nickname that stands for a longer, fuller name.

   Each product in the catalog has its own code.

   The clerk typed the code to look up my order.

   UsageSay enter the code or type the code.

   Similaridentifier, symbol, label

2. 2
   computer instructionsnoununcountable

   Instructions that tell a computer what to do, written in a programming language.

   Like a recipe that tells a computer exactly which steps to follow.

   She wrote the code for the login page over the weekend.

   The code wouldn't compile because a semicolon was missing.

   UsageSay write code or a piece of code.

   Similarsoftware

3. 3
   nouncountable or uncountable

   A set of rules about how people in a group or job should behave or do things.

   Like the rules of a game that everyone agrees to follow.

   The school enforces a strict dress code.

   Every member agrees to follow the club's code of conduct.

   UsageSay dress code or code of conduct.

   Similarethic, policy

4. 4
   collected lawsnouncountable or uncountable

   A set of laws written down and arranged in a clear order.

   Like a single rulebook for a whole country, gathered in one place.

   The criminal code sets out penalties for theft and assault.

   Lawmakers revised the tax code during the last session.

   UsageSay the tax code or the criminal code.

   Similarlaw, regulations, legislation, statute

   Note
5. 5
   write programsverbtransitive or intransitive

   To write the instructions that tell a computer what to do.

   Like writing step-by-step directions that a computer follows exactly.

   She learned to code when she was twelve.

   Many students code every day after class.

   UsageSay learn to code.

   Similarprogram, develop

6. 6
   symbol systemnouncountable or uncountable

   A set of rules for changing information into a different form.

   Like a key that turns one set of signs into another.

   Engineers designed a code that maps each symbol to a pattern of bits.

   Sailors once used a flag code to send messages between ships.

   Similarencoding, scheme

7. 7
   verbtransitive

   To change a message into a secret form that others cannot read.

   Like writing a letter in a secret language only your friend can read.

   Spies code their letters so enemies can't read them.

   She learned how to code secret messages for fun.

   UsageEncode means the same: code a message.

   Similarencode, encrypt, encipher

   Oppositedecode, decrypt, decipher

   Note
8. 8
   make proteinverbintransitive

   To carry the genetic instructions for making a particular protein.

   Like a recipe inside your cells that tells the body how to build one part.

   These genes code for proteins the body needs every day.

   A single gene can code for one protein.

   UsageSay a gene codes for a protein.

   Similarencode

   Note
9. 9
   verbtransitive

   To give things labels or numbers from a set list so they can be sorted.

   Like sticking colored labels on papers so you can group them quickly.

   We code the answers so we can count them by group.

   She codes the notes by topic before the meeting.

   UsageSay you code answers by group or topic.

   Similartag, label, categorize, classify

10. 10
    nouncountable or uncountable

    A secret way of writing messages so others cannot read them, or a message written that way.

    Like a secret word list that only you and your friend have.

    In the army's code, the word "apple" meant "tank," and every officer had a book to check it.

    When the enemy found the book, the whole code was useless.

    UsageSay a message is in code, and people crack the code.

    Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 14