DECIPHER


Meaning of DECIPHER in English

— 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.

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .