Morse code

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noun

either of two systems of clicks and pauses, short and long sounds, or flashes of light, used to represent the letters of the alphabet, numerals, etc.: now used primarily in radiotelegraphy by ham operators.

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Also called Morse alphabet.

Origin of Morse code

First recorded in 1830–40; after S. F. B. Morse

Words nearby Morse code

morro, Morro Castle, morrow, Mors, morse, Morse code, morsel, Morse lamp, Morse, Samuel F. B., Morse taper, mor. sol.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use Morse code in a sentence

Based on a true story” is film code for “this may or may not have happened, but almost certainly not in this way.
Wrestler Mark Schultz Hates the ‘Sickening and Insulting Lies’ of ‘Foxcatcher’|Rich Goldstein|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In Brazil people color code their underwear according to their needs.
New Year’s Eve, Babylon Style|Candida Moss|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Few of us are as clever as my Inspector Morse-loving friend.
The Refuseniks Hiding From ‘Happy New Year’|Lizzie Crocker|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
These addresses were used by whoever carried out the attack to control the malware and can be found in the malware code itself.
No, North Korea Didn’t Hack Sony|Marc Rogers|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The source code for the original “Shamoon” malware is widely known to have leaked.
No, North Korea Didn’t Hack Sony|Marc Rogers|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It is no part of the present essay to attempt to detail the particulars of a code of social legislation.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice|Stephen Leacock
The minimum wage law ought to form, in one fashion or another, a part of the code of every community.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice|Stephen Leacock
Especially was this so at the poverty-stricken end, as Josephine Morse called her section of the street.
The Girls of Central High on the Stage|Gertrude W. Morrison
But to herself Jess Morse thought: And it would mean the difference, for mother and me, between penury and independence!
The Girls of Central High on the Stage|Gertrude W. Morrison
She opened the door before the visitor could knock, so that Mrs. Morse would not be disturbed.
The Girls of Central High on the Stage|Gertrude W. Morrison

British Dictionary definitions for Morse code

Morse code

noun

a telegraph code formerly used internationally for transmitting messages; it was superseded by satellite technology (the Global Marine Distress and Safety System) in 1999. Letters, numbers, etc, are represented by groups of shorter dots and longer dashes, or by groups of the corresponding sounds, dits and dahs, the groups being separated by spacesAlso called: international Morse code

Word Origin for Morse code

C19: named after Samuel Morse

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for Morse code

Morse code

A code developed by Samuel Morse used for transmitting messages in which letters of the alphabet and numbers are represented by various sequences of written dots and dashes, or short and long signals such as electric tones or voltages. Morse code was used extensively in telegraphy. In a format that has been standardized for international use, it is still sometimes used for long distance radio communication.