code

n. & v.
—n.
1 a system of words, letters, figures, or symbols, used to represent others for secrecy or brevity.
2 a system of prearranged signals, esp. used to ensure secrecy in transmitting messages.
3 Computing a piece of program text.
4 a a systematic collection of statutes, a body of laws so arranged as to avoid inconsistency and overlapping. b a set of rules on any subject.
5 a the prevailing morality of a society or class (code of honour). b a person's standard of moral behaviour.
—v.tr. put (a message, program, etc.) into code.
Phrases and idioms:
code-book a list of symbols etc. used in a code. code-name (or -number) a word or symbol (or number) used for secrecy or convenience instead of the usual name.
Derivatives:
coder n.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L CODEX