vigenrecipher

noun

UK /viːˈʒenər ˈsaɪfər/

US /viːˈʒenər ˈsaɪfər/

A Vigenère cipher is a secret code that uses a keyword to hide a message.

The detective used a Vigenère cipher to send a secret note to her partner.

SYNONYMS

Vigenère code polyalphabetic cipher keyword cipher secret code

RELATED WORDS

encryption cryptography cipher key decryption plaintext

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A method of encrypting text where each letter is shifted by a different amount based on a repeating keyword.

Breaking a Vigenère cipher is harder than breaking a simple Caesar shift.

3. A puzzle or game that uses a keyword-based substitution to conceal words.

The escape room challenge included a Vigenère cipher hidden in the old book.

4. A historical cryptographic system named after Blaise de Vigenère.

Historians study the Vigenère cipher to understand early modern secret communication.