decipher
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
As decypher, but not retaining the y from the (deprecated template usage) [etyl] Old French etyma of cipher (cyfre, cyffre); the i spelling tends to be preferred etymologically, being consistent with its cognates, the French déchiffrer and the Italian decifrare, and with their common ancestor, the Medieval Latin cifra, cifera, ciphra.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /dɪˈsaɪfə(ɹ)/
- Rhymes: -aɪfə(r)
Verb
decipher (third-person singular simple present deciphers, present participle deciphering, simple past and past participle deciphered)
- (transitive) To decode or decrypt a code or cipher to plain text.
- (transitive) To read text that is almost illegible or obscure.
- (transitive) To find a solution to a problem.
Derived terms
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
to decode or decrypt a code or cipher
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to read illegible or obscure text
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to find a solution
Noun
decipher (plural deciphers)
- A decipherment; a decoding.
- 1837, Arthur Wellesley Duke of Wellington, John Gurwood, The Dispatches of Field Marshall the Duke of Wellington, K.G.
- I enclose a letter which I received yesterday evening from the Marques de Monsalud, containing the decipher of a letter from the King to the Comte d'Erlon. I wish that the Marques had sent the ciphered letter here […]
- 1837, Arthur Wellesley Duke of Wellington, John Gurwood, The Dispatches of Field Marshall the Duke of Wellington, K.G.