Decypher

noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Alternative spelling of decipher. alt-of, alternative
Verb
  1. 1
    Alternative spelling of decipher. alt-of, alternative

Etymology

Etymology 1

As decipher, but retaining the y from the Old French etyma of cipher (cyfre, cyffre); the i spelling tends to be preferred etymologically, being consistent with its cognates, the French déchiffrer and the Italian decifrare, and with their common ancestor, the Medieval Latin cifra, cifera, ciphra. By surface analysis, de- + cypher.

Etymology 2

As decipher, but retaining the y from the Old French etyma of cipher (cyfre, cyffre); the i spelling tends to be preferred etymologically, being consistent with its cognates, the French déchiffrer and the Italian decifrare, and with their common ancestor, the Medieval Latin cifra, cifera, ciphra. By surface analysis, de- + cypher.

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