code   (kōd)    n.   A systematically arranged and comprehensive collection of laws. A systematic collection of regulations and rules of procedure or conduct: a traffic code. A system of signals used to represent letters or numbers in transmitting messages. A system of symbols, letters, or words given certain arbitrary meanings, used for transmitting messages requiring secrecy or brevity. A system of symbols and rules used to represent instructions to a computer; a computer program. Genetics The genetic code. Slang A patient whose heart has stopped beating, as in cardiac arrest. v.   cod·ed, cod·ing, codes v.   tr. To systematize and arrange (laws and regulations) into a code. To convert (a message, for example) into code. v.   intr. Genetics To specify the genetic code for an amino acid or a polypeptide. Computer Science To write or revise a computer program. Slang To go into cardiac arrest. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin cōdex, book; see codex.]

Code

Code\ (k[=o]d), n. [F., fr. L. codex, caudex, the stock or stem of a tree, a board or tablet of wood smeared over with wax, on which the ancients originally wrote; hence, a book, a writing.]

1. A body of law, sanctioned by legislation, in which the rules of law to be specifically applied by the courts are set forth in systematic form; a compilation of laws by public authority; a digest.

Note: The collection of laws made by the order of Justinian is sometimes called, by way of eminence. "The Code" --Wharton.

2. Any system of rules or regulations relating to one subject; as, the medical code, a system of rules for the regulation of the professional conduct of physicians; the naval code, a system of rules for making communications at sea means of signals.

Code civil or Code Napoleon, a code enacted in France in 1803 and 1804, embodying the law of rights of persons and of property generally. --Abbot.

code

A series of instructions designed to be fed into a computer.

code

n. The stuff that software writers write, either in source form or after translation by a compiler or assembler. Often used in opposition to "data", which is the stuff that code operates on. This is a mass noun, as in "How much code does it take to do a bubble sort?", or "The code is loaded at the high end of RAM." Anyone referring to software as "the software codes" is probably a newbie or a suit.

code 

Main Entry: code
Function: noun
Etymology: Old French, from Medieval Latin codex, from Latin caudex codex tree trunk, set of wood writing tablets, book
1 : a systematic compilation or revision of law or legal principles that is arranged esp. by subject: as a : one that contains the law of a specific jurisdiction or topic promulgated by legislative authority Code> <Code of Massachusetts Regulations> code> —see also IMPORTANT LAWS in the back matter —compare CASE LAW, DIGEST, STATUTE b : one that serves as a model for legislation but is not itself a law Code>
2 : a set of rules or regulations that is promulgated by a body (as a professional organization) and that regulates its industrial or professional practices Code of Professional Responsibility>

Main Entry: ¹code
Pronunciation: 'kOd
Function: noun
1 : GENETICCODE
2 : CODE BLUE

code   (kōd)  Pronunciation Key  A system of signals used to represent letters or numbers in transmitting messages. The instructions in a computer program. Instructions written by a programmer in a programming language are often called source code. Instructions that have been converted into machine language that the computer understands are called machine code or executable code. See also programming language.

code
1. Instructions for a computer in some programming language, often machine language (machine code).
The word "code" is often used to distinguish instructions from data (e.g. "The code is marked 'read-only'") whereas the word "software" is used in contrast with "hardware" and may consist of more than just code.
(2000-04-08)
2. Some method of encryption or the resulting encrypted message.
(2006-11-10)

CoDE coherent digital exciter