International Code

American  

noun

1. a code used at sea by the navies of certain nations, using a series of flags representing digits from zero through nine.

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Etymology

Origin of International Code

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The marshal put this idea to the International Code Council, the organization that governs the construction of American buildings.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2025

The SuperAdobe has International Code Conference approval as a form of adobe architecture, and the organization is working on getting the structures International Residential Code approval next.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2025

The International Code Council, which sets model construction standards for new homes, was expected to include building electrification measures in its 2024 energy code on March 20.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 14, 2024

The warning dates to 1981, when the nations that make up the governing body of the WHO passed the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2024

Again a line of flags were hoisted on the trawler's halyards, this time a well-known signal from the International Code, but still no notice was taken of the peremptory order it conveyed.

From Submarine Warfare of To-day How the Submarine Menace was Met and Vanquished, With Descriptions of the Inventions and Devices Used, Fast Boats, Mystery Ships by Domville-Fife, Charles W. (Charles William)