code

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noun

/kəʊd/

singular	code
plural	codes

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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.
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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
Collocations: code
Collocations
code2
▪ breach, break, comply with, contravene, keep to
3
[countable] a set of numbers or letters that gives information about something, for example by showing what it is or when it was made
The shirt comes in eight colours, each identified by a two-letter code.
Write the order code in this box.
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1. a.
  the first part of a telephone number that shows where someone lives. The area code tells you the town or district, and the international code is used when telephoning another country.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of code
2. b.
  a set of numbers that allows you to open a lock or door or turn off an alarm
  punch in/key in/enter a code:
  She punched in a five-digit security code.
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4
[countable/uncountable] computing a set of instructions that a computer can understand
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5
[singular] a complicated system of rules, relationships, or instructions
the genetic code
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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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