keywordcipher

noun

UK /ˈkiːwɜːd ˈsaɪfə/

US /ˈkiːwɜːrd ˈsaɪfər/

A keyword cipher is a secret code that uses a special word to mix up the letters.

The spy used a keyword cipher to hide the message from his enemies.

SYNONYMS

keyword encryption keyword code keyword substitution cipher mixed-alphabet cipher

RELATED WORDS

cipher encryption decryption cryptography substitution

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A cipher in which a keyword builds a mixed alphabet that replaces the normal alphabet.

In a keyword cipher, the keyword letters come first, then the rest of the alphabet.

3. A puzzle or game where a hidden word is the key to reading a coded message.

The children solved the keyword cipher to find the treasure map.

4. A method of encoding text where the same keyword must be known to decode it.

Without the keyword cipher's key, the note looked like random letters.