decode

[dee-kohd] /diˈkoʊd/
verb (used with object), decoded, decoding.
1.
to translate (data or a message) from a code into the original language or form.
2.
to extract meaning from (spoken or written symbols).
3.
Television. to unscramble (an electronic signal) so as to provide a video picture for cable subscribers.
verb (used without object), decoded, decoding.
4.
to work at decoding.
Origin
1895-1900; de- + code
Examples from the web for decode
  • The problem was no devices existed to see and decode the neural maze in live subjects.
  • Since each nucleotide has a different shape, the result can be used to decode their order.
  • So researchers have been racing to decode the tree's genome in hopes of finding ways to genetically dial up resistance.
  • Poe liked ciphers because he liked to send messages that readers lacking his particular genius could not decode.
  • To decode the message, all you had to do was hold it up to a mirror.
  • Last month, two companies announced plans to decode the genomes of individual human beings.
  • The results of a search could be sent to the data's owner, who could decode it on his own system.
  • The first human genome took fifteen years to decode and cost about a billion dollars.
  • But, in his failure to decode her, he seemed generally oblivious to her.
  • Further research would be needed to decode more complex movements.
British Dictionary definitions for decode

decode

/diːˈkəʊd/
verb
1.
to convert (a message, text, etc) from code into ordinary language
2.
(computing) to convert (coded characters) from one form to another, as from binary-coded decimals to decimal numbers Compare encode (sense 2)
3.
(electronics) to convert (a coded electrical signal) into normal analogue components
4.
to analyse and understand the construction of words and phrases, esp in a foreign language
Derived Forms
decoder, noun
Word Origin and History for decode
v.

1896, from de- + code. Related: Decoded; decoding.

Slang definitions & phrases for decode

decode

verb

Explain: Hans, will you please decode that? (1950s+)


decode in Technology

cryptography
To apply decryption.
(2004-05-22)