code

UK: kəʊd | US: koʊd

Definition

  1. n. a system of words, letters, or symbols used to represent others for secrecy or brevity

  2. n. a set of instructions for a computer program

  3. vt. to convert information into a particular form for transmission or processing

Structure
cod <written document>
Etymology

code = cod<written document> + e (silent)

  • cod (from Latin codex, meaning "book" or "written document")
  • e (silent, often a marker of word-final spelling in English)

Etymology Origin:
The word code traces back to the Latin codex, originally referring to a wooden tablet or book. Over time, it evolved to denote systematic collections of laws (e.g., Code of Justinian). By the 19th century, it expanded to include cipher systems and later, computer programming instructions—retaining the core idea of structured representation.

Examples

  1. The spy deciphered the secret code.

  2. She learned to write Python code in her programming class.

  3. The genetic code determines an organism's traits.

  4. The military uses encrypted codes for secure communication.

  5. Ancient civilizations developed codes to record laws.