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code

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noun British English pronunciation: code /kəʊd/ 
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singularcode
pluralcodes
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  1. 1
    [countable/uncountable] a system of words, numbers, or signs used for sending secret messages. To put a message into code is to encode it, and to translate it back from code is to decode it
    in code:

    The message was written in code.

    crack/break a code (=discover how it works):

    She worked at Bletchley Park, where they cracked the Enigma codes.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of code
  2. 2
    [countable] a set of rules about how something should be done or how people should behave

    Even criminals have their own code of honour.

    penal/criminal code (=the set of laws about crimes and punishment):

    The death penalty is no longer allowed under France's penal code.

    code of conduct:

    Managers are expected to comply with the company's code of conduct.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of code

This is the British English definition of code. View American English definition of code.

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View the pronunciation for code.

 

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