code

Definition

A short textual designation, often with little relation to the item it represents.

Etymology

From Middle English code (“system of law”), from Old French code (“system of law”), from Latin cōdex, later form of caudex (“the stock or stem of a tree, a board or tablet of wood smeared over with wax, on which the ancients originally wrote; hence, a book, a writing.”). Doublet of codex. Verb etymology 1 sense 7 is an ellipsis of code blue (“medical emergency”).

Example Sentences

• "This flavour of soup has been assigned the code WRT-9."
• "the mild and impartial spirit which pervades the Code compiled under Canute"
• "The medical code is a system of rules for the regulation of the professional conduct of physicians."

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