— decipherable , adj. — decipherability , n. — decipherer , n. — decipherment , n.
/di suy"feuhr/ , v.t.
1. to make out the meaning of (poor or partially obliterated writing, etc.): to decipher a hastily scribbled note.
2. to discover the meaning of (anything obscure or difficult to trace or understand): to decipher hieroglyphics.
3. to interpret by the use of a key, as something written in cipher: to decipher a secret message.
4. Obs. to depict; portray.
[ 1520-30; trans. of MF déchiffrer. See DE-, CIPHER ]
Syn. 2. comprehend, solve, unravel, explain.