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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Data can be encoded in both the frequency and depth of these spectral holes. Thomas Coughlin, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 Scientists Greg Barsh from Stanford University and Hiroyuki Sasaki from Japan’s Kyushu University and their teams studied feline genomes to pinpoint which protein encoded by a cat’s genes brought out the orange hue. Gayoung Lee, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024 From the biases of the data scientists designing the model to the annotators labeling datasets and the users crafting prompts, inherent assumptions are encoded into the system. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 Their data encodes their society’s knowledge and culture and common sense. Zeyi Yang, WIRED, 3 Dec. 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 22 Dec. 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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