encode

UK: ɪnˈkəʊd | US: ɪnˈkoʊd

Definition
  1. vt. to convert information into a coded form

  2. vt. (computing) to represent data in a specific format or structure

  3. vt. (biology) to store genetic information in DNA or RNA

Structure
en <to put into>code <a system of symbols>
Etymology

The word "encode" combines the prefix "en-" (from Old French, meaning "to put into") with the root "code" (from Latin "codex," originally referring to a wooden tablet for writing, later evolving to mean a system of symbols or rules). The term emerged in the early 20th century, initially in telecommunications and later adopted in computing and genetics. The logic follows the literal sense of "putting information into a code."

Examples
  1. The software will encode the message to ensure secure transmission.

  2. DNA molecules encode genetic instructions for living organisms.

  3. Engineers use algorithms to encode video files efficiently.

  4. The spy was trained to encode sensitive documents.

  5. This protocol helps encode data in a machine-readable format.