decipher

views updated May 14 2018

de·ci·pher / diˈsīfər/ • v. [tr.] convert (a text written in code, or a coded signal) into normal language. ∎  succeed in understanding, interpreting, or identifying (something): an expression she could not decipher.DERIVATIVES: de·ci·pher·a·ble adj.de·ci·pher·ment n.

decipher

views updated May 11 2018

decipher reduce to ordinary writing, make out (a writing in cipher, etc.). XVI. f. DE- 7 + CIPHER.