I'm curious about the origin of the term 'cypher'. Why is it named that way? What's the story or reason behind this naming?
            
            
            
            
            
            
           
          
          
            6 answers
            
            
  
    
    DondaejiDelightful
    Sat Nov 23 2024
   
  
    The use of numerals in early codes was a method to obscure the meaning of words.
  
  
 
            
            
  
    
    Elena
    Sat Nov 23 2024
   
  
    Cipher originates from the Arabic term "sifr," which translates to "nothing" or "zero."
  
  
 
            
            
  
    
    GinsengBoostPowerBoost
    Sat Nov 23 2024
   
  
    This word traveled to Europe alongside the introduction of the Arabic numeral system.
  
  
 
            
            
  
    
    isabella_taylor_activist
    Fri Nov 22 2024
   
  
    Instead of letters, numbers were substituted to create a hidden message.
  
  
 
            
            
  
    
    GangnamGlamourQueen
    Fri Nov 22 2024
   
  
    Over time, these encoded messages became commonly referred to as ciphers.