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Ciphers: meaning, definitions and examples

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ciphers

 

[ หˆsaษชfษ™rz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

secret codes

Ciphers are secret or disguised ways of writing; a code. They are used to keep information confidential and are often used in cryptography.

Synonyms

code, cryptogram, encryption.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ciphers

Used to describe a method of transforming readable text into an unreadable format to keep information secret. Often applied in cryptographic and mathematical contexts.

  • The spy often used ciphers to communicate secret messages
  • Ancient civilizations used simple ciphers for confidential writings
encryption

The process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access. Widely used in the field of cybersecurity, banking, and online communications.

  • Encryption is essential for securing online transactions
  • The company's sensitive data was protected through advanced encryption methods
cryptogram

A type of puzzle or game where the text is written in code and the solver needs to decode it. Often used in recreational contexts like newspapers or puzzle books.

  • She enjoys solving the daily cryptogram in the newspaper
  • The treasure map included a cryptogram that needed to be deciphered

Examples of usage

  • The spies communicated using ciphers to avoid interception.
  • She cracked the cipher and revealed the hidden message.
  • The encrypted data can only be decoded with the correct cipher key.
Context #2 | Noun

zeroes and ones

In computing, ciphers can also refer to algorithms used for encryption and decryption of data, often represented in binary form.

Synonyms

algorithm, cryptosystem, encryption method.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
algorithm

Use 'algorithm' when discussing a step-by-step procedure for calculations, data processing, or automated reasoning tasks in a general sense.

  • The company developed an algorithm to optimize delivery routes.
  • Machine learning algorithms are fundamental in predicting trends.
encryption method

Use 'encryption method' when referring generally to techniques employed to transform readable data into a coded format.

  • AES is a widely used encryption method for securing sensitive information.
  • Choosing the right encryption method is critical for data privacy.
cryptosystem

Use 'cryptosystem' when referring to a suite of cryptographic algorithms necessary for secure communication, encompassing both encryption and decryption methods.

  • The cryptosystem ensures secure transactions over the internet.
  • A strong cryptosystem is vital for protecting sensitive data.

Examples of usage

  • The software uses advanced ciphers to protect sensitive information.
  • The cipher algorithm ensures secure communication over the internet.

Translations

Translations of the word "ciphers" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cifras

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคพเค‡เคซเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Chiffren

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sandi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะธั„ั€ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ szyfry

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆš—ๅท

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท chiffres

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cifras

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ลŸifreler

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•”ํ˜ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดูุฑุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลกifry

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลกifry

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฏ†็ 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ลกifre

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ dulkรณรฐar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆั€ะธั„ั‚ะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒ˜แƒคแƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸifrษ™lษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cifras

Etymology

The word 'cipher' originated from the Arabic word 'sifr', meaning zero or empty. It was later adopted into Old French as 'cifre', referring to a numeral. Over time, 'cipher' evolved to also mean a secret way of writing or encoding information. The use of ciphers has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations and playing a crucial role in military, diplomatic, and espionage communications.

See also: cipher, decipher.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,439, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.