Code
/koʊd/noun
A system of symbols, rules, or laws used to convey information or regulate conduct.
Did you know?English code comes through French from Latin *codex*, originally a wooden tablet or book; the same root also gave us *codicil* and *codify*, tying modern “code” to the ancient world of written authority.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
codex
“A block of wood; later, a wooden writing tablet and then a book or volume of laws.”
Late Latin
Latin
codicem
“Accusative form of *codex*, used in the sense of a book or legal code.”
Old French
Old French
code
“A body of laws or a written collection of rules.”
Middle English
English
code
“A system of laws or rules, especially a legal code.”
Modern English
English
code
“A system of symbols, rules, or instructions used in writing, computing, or communication.”