prefix coding

noun

A coding system that uses (typically variable-length) codes that are distinguished by their "prefix property", which requires that there is no code word in the system that is a prefix (initial segment) of any other code word in the system.

“A prefix coding can use a code with code words {9, 55}, as it has the prefix property. However, a code consisting of {9, 5, 59, 55} is not allowed, as "5" is a prefix of "59" and also of "55".”

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Meanings

nounprefix coding (plural prefix codings)

plural prefix codings · alternative prefix code

  1. computingA coding system that uses (typically variable-length) codes that are distinguished by their "prefix property", which requires that there is no code word in the system that is a prefix (initial segment) of any other code word in the system.

    A prefix coding can use a code with code words {9, 55}, as it has the prefix property. However, a code consisting of {9, 5, 59, 55} is not allowed, as "5" is a prefix of "59" and also of "55".

Rhymes & wordplay

Rhymes with prefix coding

encoding
All rhymes →
Cite this entry
APA

prefix coding. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/prefix%20coding

MLA

“prefix coding.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/prefix%20coding. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “prefix coding,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/prefix%20coding.

Source: prefix coding on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.