GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 4 definitions

1.       
   Cipher , n. [OF. cifre zero, F. Chiffre figure (cf. Sp.cifra, LL. cifra), fr. Ar. çifrun, çafrun, empty, cipher, zero, fr. çafira to be empty. Cf. Zero.]
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   (Arith.) A character [0] which, standing by itself, expresses nothing, but when placed at the right hand of a whole number, increases its value tenfold.
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   One who, or that which, has no weight or influence.
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   Here he was a mere cipher.
   W. Irving.
   
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   A character in general, as a figure or letter. [Obs.]
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   This wisdom began to be written in ciphers and characters and letters bearing the forms of creatures.
   Sir W. Raleigh.
   
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   A combination or interweaving of letters, as the initials of a name; a device; a monogram; as, a painter's cipher, an engraver's cipher, etc. The cut represents the initials N. W.
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   A private alphabet, system of characters, or other mode of writing, contrived for the safe transmission of secrets; also, a writing in such characters.
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   His father . . . engaged him when he was very young to write all his letters to England in cipher.
   Bp. Burnet.
   
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   Cipher key, a key to assist in reading writings in cipher.
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2.       
   Cipher, a. Of the nature of a cipher; of no weight or influence. “Twelve cipher bishops.” 
   Milton.
   
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3.       
   Cipher, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ciphered ; p. pr. & vb. n. Ciphering.] To use figures in a mathematical process; to do sums in arithmetic.
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   'T was certain he could write and cipher too.
   Goldsmith.
   
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4.       
   Cipher, v. t.
   To write in occult characters.
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   His notes he ciphered with Greek characters.
   Hayward.
   
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   To get by ciphering; as, to cipher out the answer.
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   To decipher. [Obs.]
   Shak.
   
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   To designate by characters. [Obs.]
   Shak.
   
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