patterncipher
nounUK /ˈpætənˌsaɪfə/
US /ˈpætərnˌsaɪfər/
A patterncipher is a secret code that uses shapes or designs to hide a message.
The detective solved the patterncipher by matching the shapes to letters.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A method of encryption where repeated visual motifs stand for letters or numbers.
The ancient tablet used a patterncipher of repeating spirals.
3. A puzzle in which the solver must recognize a recurring design to reveal hidden text.
The magazine's patterncipher challenge took her an hour to crack.
4. Any coded system based on recurring sequences rather than standard alphabets.
The spies exchanged notes written in a patterncipher of dots and lines.