encode

verb

en·​code in-ˈkōd 

en-

encoded; encoding; encodes

transitive verb

1

a

: to convert (something, such as a body of information) from one system of communication into another

especially : to convert (a message) into code

b

: to convey symbolically

the capacity of poetry to encode ideology

—J. D. Niles

2

: to specify the genetic code for

encoder noun

Examples of encode in a Sentence

Credit cards are encoded with cardholder information.

a technology that encodes images

Recent Examples on the Web

To map and characterize all the proteins encoded and produced by the human genome, scientists have embarked on the Human Proteome Project (HPP). —Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

After the Cannes premiere, Bakalova visited a psychic, a tradition that is deeply encoded in her heritage. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 14 Oct. 2024

When the researchers deleted the genes that encode the KaiA, KaiB and KaiC proteins, the winter-condition cells survived no better than summer-condition cells. —Elizabeth Landau, quantamagazine.org, 11 Oct. 2024

These snippets of genetic code prompt your immune system to replicate—for example—part of a virus encoded by that mRNA and then learn how to fight it off. —Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

encode

verb

en·​code in-ˈkōd 

en-

: to change (as a body of information) from one system of communication into another

especially : to change (a message) into code

encoder noun

Medical Definition

encode

transitive verb

en·​code in-ˈkōd, en- 

encoded; encoding

: to specify the genetic code for

each nucleotide triplet or codon on the mRNA chain encodes a specific amino acid

—J. E. Darnell, Jr.