Definition of cipher

• n. - A character [0] which, standing by itself, expresses nothing, but when placed at the right hand of a whole number, increases its value tenfold.
• n. - One who, or that which, has no weight or influence.
• n. - A character in general, as a figure or letter.
• n. - A combination or interweaving of letters, as the initials of a name; a device; a monogram; as, a painter's cipher, an engraver's cipher, etc. The cut represents the initials N. W.
• n. - A private alphabet, system of characters, or other mode of writing, contrived for the safe transmission of secrets; also, a writing in such characters.
• a. - Of the nature of a cipher; of no weight or influence.
• v. i. - To use figures in a mathematical process; to do sums in arithmetic.
• v. t. - To write in occult characters.
• v. t. - To get by ciphering; as, to cipher out the answer.
• v. t. - To decipher.
• v. t. - To designate by characters.