Computer programs or devices that encode and decode digital data, especially audio and video files. The term combines 'coder' and 'decoder' functions.
Modern English portmanteau word formed from 'co(der)' + 'dec(oder)', created in the mid-20th century with the rise of digital technology. Originally referred to hardware devices but expanded to include software algorithms.
Codecs are the unsung heroes of digital media - every video you stream, song you download, or photo you share has been processed by these digital translators. Different codecs make trade-offs between file size, quality, and processing power, which is why some videos load faster than others.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.