decipher

views updated May 14 2018

de·ci·pher / diˈsīfər/ • v. [tr.] convert (a text written in code, or a coded signal) into normal language. ∎  succeed in understanding, interpreting, or identifying (something): an expression she could not decipher.DERIVATIVES: de·ci·pher·a·ble adj.de·ci·pher·ment n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

decipher

views updated May 11 2018

decipher reduce to ordinary writing, make out (a writing in cipher, etc.). XVI. f. DE- 7 + CIPHER.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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