cipher

/ˈsaɪfər/

/ˈsaɪfə/

Other forms: ciphers; ciphering; ciphered

A cipher is a secret code, usually one that's created using a mathematical algorithm. Sometimes the message written in code is itself called a cipher.

Cipher comes from the Arabic sifr, which means "nothing" or "zero." The word came to Europe along with the Arabic numeral system. As early codes substituted numerals for letters to hide the word’s meaning, codes became known as ciphers. If you crack a cipher, you break the code and can understand the message. From its "zero" meaning, cipher can also be used for a person who has no influence or importance in the world.

Definitions of cipher

1. noun

   a secret method of writing
   synonyms: cryptograph, cypher, secret code

   type of:

   code

   a coding system used for transmitting messages requiring brevity or secrecy
2. noun

   a message written in a secret code
   synonyms: cypher

   type of:

   message

   a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
3. verb

   convert ordinary language into code
   synonyms: code, cypher, encipher, encrypt, inscribe, write in code

   type of:

   encode

   convert information into code
4. noun

   a mathematical element that when added to another number yields the same number
   synonyms: 0, cypher, nought, zero

   type of:

   digit, figure

   one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration
5. noun

   a quantity of no importance
   synonyms: aught, cypher, goose egg, nada, naught, nil, nix, nothing, null, zero, zilch, zip, zippo

   types:

   nihil

   (Latin) nil; nothing (as used by a sheriff after an unsuccessful effort to serve a writ)

   type of:

   relative quantity

   a quantity relative to some purpose
6. noun

   a person of no influence
   synonyms: cypher, nobody, nonentity

   types:

   pip-squeak, small fry, squirt

   someone who is small and insignificant

   jackanapes, lightweight, whippersnapper

   someone who is unimportant but cheeky and presumptuous

   type of:

   common man, common person, commoner

   a person who holds no title
7. verb

   make a mathematical calculation or computation
   synonyms: calculate, compute, cypher, figure, reckon, work out

   work out

   be calculated

   types:

   quantise, quantize

   apply quantum theory to; restrict the number of possible values of (a quantity) or states of (a physical entity or system) so that certain variables can assume only certain discrete magnitudes that are integral multiples of a common factor

   extract

   calculate the root of a number

   process

   perform mathematical and logical operations on (data) according to programmed instructions in order to obtain the required information

   prorate

   divide or assess proportionally

   miscalculate, misestimate

   calculate incorrectly

   recalculate

   calculate anew

   average, average out

   compute the average of

   factor, factor in, factor out

   resolve into factors

   add, add together

   make an addition by combining numbers

   deduct, subtract, take off

   make a subtraction

   multiply

   combine by multiplication

   divide, fraction

   perform a division

   extrapolate, interpolate

   estimate the value of

   differentiate

   calculate a derivative; take the derivative

   integrate

   calculate the integral of; calculate by integration

   survey

   plot a map of (land)

   approximate, estimate, gauge, guess, judge

   judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)

   budget

   make a budget

   capitalise, capitalize

   compute the present value of a business or an income

   resolve, solve

   find the solution

   square

   raise to the second power

   cube

   raise to the third power

   foot, foot up

   add a column of numbers

   carry back

   deduct a loss or an unused credit from taxable income for a prior period

   raise

   multiply (a number) by itself a specified number of times: 8 is 2 raised to the power 3

   halve

   divide by two; divide into halves

   quarter

   divide by four; divide into quarters

   triangulate

   survey by triangulation

   quantise, quantize

   approximate (a signal varying continuously in amplitude) by one whose amplitude is restricted to a prescribed set of discrete values

   misgauge

   gauge something incorrectly or improperly

   place, put, set

   estimate

   give

   estimate the duration or outcome of something

   lowball, underestimate

   make a deliberately low estimate

   assess

   estimate the value of (property) for taxation

   make

   calculate as being

   count, reckon

   take account of

   overcapitalise, overcapitalize

   estimate the capital value of (a company) at an unreasonably or unlawfully high level

   factorise, factorize

   resolve (a polynomial) into factors

   truncate

   approximate by ignoring all terms beyond a chosen one

   guesstimate

   estimate based on a calculation

   type of:

   reason

   think logically