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Cipher Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cipher

[ˈsīfər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

secret

A secret or disguised way of writing; a code.

Synonyms

code, cryptogram, encryption.

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Word Description / Examples
cipher

Can also mean a zero or something of no value, often in a negative context.

  • After all his efforts, he was still considered a mere cipher in the company
  • The equation resulted in a cipher, providing no useful information
code

Refers to a system of symbols and rules used for transmitting secret messages or instructions.

  • The spies communicated using a secret code
  • She wrote a code to unlock the hidden message in the text
cryptogram

Often refers to a short piece of encrypted text, usually in the form of a puzzle or game.

  • The newspaper published a cryptogram for readers to solve
  • He handed her a cryptogram and smiled, knowing it would take hours to decode
encryption

Used in digital security to describe the process of converting information into a secure format that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized people.

  • The company's data was protected by strong encryption
  • She learned about encryption to better understand online privacy

Examples of usage

  • The spy used a cipher to communicate with headquarters.
  • The message was written in a cipher that only the recipient could decode.
Context #2 | Noun

zero

A secret or disguised way of writing; a code.

Synonyms

naught, null, zero.

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Word Description / Examples
cipher

In mathematics, it can refer to the number zero.

  • The Roman numeral for zero is a simple cipher.
  • In the sum of the equation, the final cipher turned out to be zero.
zero

Used in everyday language, mathematics, and science to denote the number 0.

  • The temperature dropped to zero degrees last night.
  • He scored zero points in the game.
null

Commonly used in programming and databases to indicate an empty or non-existent value.

  • The function returned a null value because the input was invalid.
  • Check the database for null entries in the record.
naught

Used in a literary or old-fashioned sense to mean 'nothing.'

  • All our efforts were for naught.
  • His words carried naught but empty promises.

Examples of usage

  • The message was written in a cipher that only the recipient could decode.
  • The number zero is sometimes referred to as a cipher.
Context #3 | Verb

solve

To decrypt or convert a coded message into plain text.

Synonyms

decipher, decode, decrypt.

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Word Description / Examples
cipher

This word is used to describe a method of transforming text to make it unreadable to unauthorized people. It can refer to both the algorithm used and the resulting text.

  • The spy encoded the message with a complex cipher.
  • Without the right cipher, the text looks like gibberish.
decode

This word is used when converting encoded or encrypted data back into its original form. It can be applicable to both technical and non-technical contexts.

  • The software can decode the encoded video files.
  • He had to decode the secret message to understand the instructions.
decrypt

This word is used specifically in a security context, referring to converting encrypted data back into its original form. It is often related to digital data and information security.

  • The hacker attempted to decrypt the sensitive information.
  • Only authorized persons can decrypt the data stored in this database.
decipher

This word is used when you're figuring out the meaning of something that has been encoded or written in a way that is meant to be obscure.

  • She managed to decipher the ancient manuscript with great effort.
  • Can you decipher this code? It looks really complicated.

Examples of usage

  • The detective was able to cipher the message and uncover the hidden meaning.
  • She spent hours trying to cipher the secret code.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • Ciphers have played crucial roles in wars, particularly during World War II, where they were used for secret communications.
  • Julius Caesar utilized a simple shift cipher where letters were replaced by others a fixed number of places down the alphabet, known as the Caesar Cipher.
  • The Enigma machine used complex ciphers to send messages during the war, making it a symbol of cryptographic challenges.

Pop Culture

  • Ciphers have appeared in numerous movies and books, becoming a staple in spy thrillers like 'The Da Vinci Code'.
  • Video games often incorporate deciphering codes as puzzles, engaging players in the mystery.
  • Popular songs and albums sometimes feature encoded messages that fans enjoy unraveling.

Science and Technology

  • Modern encryption methods rely heavily on complex algorithms to keep information secure, far beyond simple ciphers.
  • The field of cryptography, which studies ciphers, is vital for protecting data in our digital world.
  • Quantum encryption is emerging as a new technology that promises even greater security than traditional methods.

Psychology

  • Deciphering ciphers can stimulate mental processes, enhancing problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • The thrill of cracking a code can release dopamine, making it a rewarding activity.
  • Understanding how people can create and solve codes can offer insights into cognitive abilities and communication styles.

Origin of 'cipher'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cipher' comes from the Arabic word 'sifr', meaning 'zero' or 'empty'.
  • In medieval times, 'cipher' became associated with the concept of encoding messages using letters.
  • The connection to numbers became prevalent with the development of positional numeral systems.

The word 'cipher' originated from the Arabic word 'sifr', which means 'zero' or 'empty'. It was later adopted into Latin as 'cifra' and then into Old French as 'cifre'. The use of 'cipher' evolved to refer to secret writing or codes, often used in cryptography and espionage. Over time, 'cipher' also came to represent the number zero, reflecting its origins in Arabic numerals.

See also: ciphers, decipher.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,312, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.