cypher

• Nom désignant plusieurs notions : le zéro ou un chiffre sans valeur en mathématiques ; une personne ou une chose sans importance ni influence ; ou un système d'écriture secrète, tel qu'un chiffre ou un message codé.

A noun with multiple meanings: it can refer to the mathematical concept of zero or a number of no value; a person or thing of little or no importance or influence; or a system of secret writing, such as a code or a message written in code.

1. Mathematical zeroB1formal

   A mathematical element that, when added to another number, yields the same number; the number zero.

   Zéro (mathématiques)

   • In the equation, the cypher represents the additive identity.
   • The number system uses a cypher to denote nothing.
   • Adding a cypher to any number does not change its value.

   Synonymesaughtciphernaughtnilnoughtnullzero

2. Insignificant thingB2formal

   A quantity or thing of no importance or value.

   quantité négligeable

   • His contribution to the project was a mere cypher.
   • The argument was about a cypher, not a real issue.
   • In the grand scheme, that mistake is a cypher.

   Synonymesnobodynonentitynothingnullitytriflezero

3. Unimportant personB2formal

   A person of no influence, significance, or power.

   Personne insignifiante

   • In the royal court, he was treated as a cypher.
   • She felt like a cypher in the large corporation.
   • The new intern was a cypher among the experienced staff.

   Synonymesnobodynonentitynothingnullitypip-squeaksmall fryzero

   Antonymescelebritydignitaryluminarymagnatenotablepersonagesomebody

4. Secret codeB1formal

   A secret method of writing, often using a system of symbols or letters to conceal the meaning of a message.

   Cryptogramme, code secret

   • The spy used a complex cypher to encode the message.
   • Breaking the enemy's cypher was crucial for the war effort.
   • They communicated using a simple substitution cypher.

   Synonymescodecryptographsecret writing

5. Encoded messageB1formal

   A message written in a secret code.

   Message chiffré

   • The agent received a cypher from headquarters.
   • The cypher was decoded using a special key.
   • They found a cypher hidden in the old book.

   Synonymescryptogramcryptograph

• Verbe désuet signifiant calculer, compter ou travailler avec des nombres ; également utilisé pour exprimer quelque chose en code ou en chiffre.

An archaic or obsolete verb meaning to calculate, compute, or work with numbers; also used to mean to express in code or cipher.

1. Convert into codeB2formal

   To convert ordinary language into a secret code or cipher.

   Chiffrer

   • The spy cyphered the message before sending it.
   • They cyphered the documents to protect sensitive information.
   • The algorithm cyphers data automatically.

   Synonymesencipherencodeencrypt

   Antonymesdecipherdecodedecrypt

2. Perform calculationB2formal

   To make a mathematical calculation or computation.

   Calculer

   • The accountant cyphered the total expenses for the month.
   • He cyphered the numbers quickly in his head.
   • The computer cyphered the complex equation in seconds.

   Synonymescalculatecomputecountfigurereckontallywork out