periodic-keycipher

noun

UK /ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk ˈkiːsaɪfə/

US /ˌpɪriˈɑːdɪk ˈkiːsaɪfər/

A periodic-keycipher is a secret code that changes its key after a set number of letters.

The spy used a periodic-keycipher so the code changed every ten letters.

SYNONYMS

rotating-key cipher changing-key cipher cyclic-key cipher periodic substitution cipher

RELATED WORDS

encryption cipher key cryptography plaintext ciphertext

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A cipher whose key repeats in a fixed cycle.

The periodic-keycipher repeated its key every five characters.

3. A method of encoding messages where the key shifts at regular intervals.

She encoded the note with a periodic-keycipher to confuse readers.

4. A cryptographic system that swaps keys on a schedule.

The periodic-keycipher swapped keys each minute during the transmission.