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cipher

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The definition of a cipher is the symbol "0" meaning zero, or a secret code, something written in code, or a key used to figure out the meaning of something written in code.

(noun)

The symbol "0" entered on a form to show a zero quantity is an example of a cipher.
When kids make up their own symbols to represent words and then write notes to each other using those symbols that only they understand, the secret symbols they have made up are an example of a cipher.
A note written by children using secret symbols they made up is an example of a cipher.
A key that indicates what each secret symbol means is an example of a cipher.

See cipher in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the symbol 0, indicating a value of zero
a person or thing of no importance or value
1. a system of secret writing based on a key, or set of predetermined rules or symbols
2. a message in such writing
3. the key to such a system
an intricate weaving together of letters, as a monogram
an Arabic numeral

Origin: ME cifre < OFr cyfre < ML cifra < Ar ṣifr, ṣefr, a cipher, nothing < ṣafara, to be empty

intransitive verb, transitive verb

to solve (an arithmetic problem)
to write in or with a cipher ()

See cipher in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also cy·pher

noun

The mathematical symbol (0) denoting absence of quantity; zero.
An Arabic numeral or figure; a number.
One having no influence or value; a nonentity.
a. A cryptographic system in which units of plain text of regular length, usually letters, are arbitrarily transposed or substituted according to a predetermined code.
b. The key to such a system.
c. A message written or transmitted in such a system.
A design combining or interweaving letters or initials; a monogram.