variable-keycipher

noun

UK /ˈveəriəbl ˈkiːsaɪfə/

US /ˈveriəbl ˈkiːsaɪfər/

A variable-key cipher is a secret code that uses a key you can change to lock and unlock messages.

The spy used a variable-key cipher so that each message had a different key.

SYNONYMS

changing-key cipher adjustable-key cipher flexible-key cipher dynamic-key cipher

RELATED WORDS

encryption cryptography cipher key decryption secret code

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A cipher system where the key length or value varies between messages.

The variable-key cipher changed its key length with every transmission.

3. A method of encoding text in which the substitution alphabet shifts according to a variable key.

Using a variable-key cipher, the letters shifted differently in each sentence.

4. A cryptographic technique that allows users to set their own key for each use.

The software's variable-key cipher lets you pick a new password for every file.