code

I UK [kəʊd] / US [koʊd] noun
Word forms "code":
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.

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.

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Collocations:
Verbs frequently used with code as the object ▪  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.

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.

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.

4) [countable/uncountable] computing a set of instructions that a computer can understand

5) [singular] a complicated system of rules, relationships, or instructions

the genetic code

II UK [kəʊd] / US [koʊd] verb
Word forms "code":
present tense I/you/we/they code he/she/it codes present participle coding past tense coded past participle coded
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1)

a) [transitive] to mark something with a code that gives information about it

Each item was coded for point of origin.

b) to mark something with a code instead of a name, so that people do not know what it is

They coded each sample and sent them to the lab for analysis.

2) [transitive] to put a message in code so that it is secret

3) [intransitive/transitive] computing to write instructions for a computer