cypher Definition
- 1a secret or disguised way of writing; a code
- 2a person or thing of no importance or value
- 3a design consisting of interlacing lines, typically circular
Using cypher: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cypher" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The message was written in cypher to prevent it from being intercepted.
Example
He was just a cypher in the company, with no real power or influence.
Example
The stained glass window featured a beautiful cypher design.
cypher Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for cypher
Idioms Using cypher
Example
He felt like a blank cypher in the company, with no real purpose or role.
Example
She felt like a cypher in the crowd, unnoticed and forgotten.
Example
He was dealt a cypher hand in the poker game, with no chance of winning.
Phrases with cypher
a code that uses a different alphabet for each letter of the message, making it harder to decipher
Example
The military used a rotating cypher to send secure messages during the war.
a code that is impossible to decipher without the key, rendering it useless if the key is lost
Example
The spy's message was written in a null and void cypher, ensuring that only the intended recipient could read it.
a design consisting of two or more letters, typically the initials of a name, interwoven in a decorative way
Example
The wedding invitations featured a beautiful monogram cypher of the couple's initials.
Origins of cypher
from Old French 'cifre', from Arabic 'sifr', meaning 'zero'
Summary: cypher in Brief
The term 'cypher' [ˈsʌɪfər] refers to a secret or disguised way of writing, often used to convey messages securely. It can also mean a person or thing of no importance or value, as in 'He was just a cypher in the company.' Additionally, 'cypher' can refer to a decorative design consisting of interlacing lines, such as a monogram cypher. Idioms include 'a blank cypher,' denoting a person or thing with no significance, and 'a cypher in the crowd,' meaning someone who blends in with others.