code 
(kōd)
(kōd)n.
1.
a. A system of signals used to represent letters or numbers in transmitting messages.
b. A system of symbols, letters, or words given certain arbitrary meanings, used for transmitting messages requiring secrecy or brevity.
c. An access code.
d. A special command, such as a sequence of keystrokes, that allows a user to activate a hidden or accidental feature in a computer program or video game.
2.
a. The information that constitutes a specific computer program.
b. A system of symbols and rules that serve as instructions for a computer.
3. Genetics The genetic code.
4.
a. A systematically arranged and comprehensive collection of laws.
b. A systematic collection of regulations or rules of procedure or conduct: a building code.
5. Medicine Code blue.
6. Slang A patient whose heart has stopped beating, as in cardiac arrest.
v. cod·ed, cod·ing, codes
v.tr.
1. To convert (a message, for example) into code.
2. To systematize and arrange (laws and regulations) into a code.
3. To assign a code to (something) for identification or classification: coded each response to the survey by age and gender.
4. To express or convey (words) in a manner that implies a different meaning: a novel that codes references to a character's sexuality in descriptions of clothing.
v.intr.
1. Genetics
a. To specify the genetic code for an amino acid or a polypeptide: a gene that codes for an enzyme.
b. To specify the genetic code for a trait or characteristic: a gene that codes for red hair.
2. Computers To write or revise a computer program.
3. Slang To go into cardiac arrest.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin cōdex, book; see CODEX.]