cipher

A way of changing a message so that only someone who knows the system can understand it.

• They used a cipher to send messages.
• Can you break this simple cipher?
• Each letter was replaced using the same cipher.

Similar words: code

Common phrases: simple cipher, substitution cipher, break a cipher

A mathematical system that changes letters or computer data into a secret form.

• This cipher protects the stored data.
• The software uses a modern block cipher.
• Researchers found a weakness in the cipher.

Similar words: encryption algorithm

Common phrases: block cipher, stream cipher, public-key cipher

A written sign representing a number.

• One cipher was missing from the total.
• The faded cipher looked like a three.
• He copied the ciphers into a column.

Similar words: digit, numeral, figure

Common phrases: single cipher, written cipher

To change a message into a secret form so that others cannot read it.

• They ciphered the message before sending it.
• She learned to cipher secret reports.
• The clerk ciphers every military dispatch.

Similar words: encode, encrypt, encipher

Opposites: decipher, decrypt

Common phrases: cipher a message, cipher the text