encode

verb

en·​code in-ˈkōd How to pronounce encode (audio)
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 ideologyJ. 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 See all Example Sentences for encode 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of encode was circa 1919

Dictionary Entries Near encode

Cite this Entry

“Encode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encode. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

encode

verb
en·​code in-ˈkōd How to pronounce encode (audio)
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- How to pronounce encode (audio)
encoded; encoding
: to specify the genetic code for
each nucleotide triplet or codon on the mRNA chain encodes a specific amino acidJ. E. Darnell, Jr.
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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