Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
codec

codec

7 5.6
A program that makes video and audio files smaller so they can be stored and made playable
  • noun
  • /ˈkoʊdɛk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : códec
  • Moreover, even those engines use other external programs, called codecs, for decoding the multimedia streams.
  • audio codec
  • video codec
  • lossless audio codec

It's it's it's kind of like a codec for digitizing video.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • The evolution toward more advanced video compression codecs is creating new opportunities and challenges for content providers.

    Blog text (2)

  • For audio, bit depth, sample rate, compression ratio, and codec are the major factors.

    Blog text (11)

  • The final step is to export the video, which involves selecting a codec and container.

    Blog text (15)

  • There was also an update to the Office Suite, and they added additional codecs for video playback.

    Blog text (19)

  • Even though HTML5 allows multiple codecs to be listed, it's almost impractical to go through such an effort.

    Blog text (1)

  • The AMR-NB codec specifies eight modes operating at bit rates between 4.75 and 12.20 kbit/s.

    Academic text (2017)

  • Common intra frame codecs include MJPEG, Prores, DNXHD, and DNXHR.

  • Many video editing applications require a specific codec to process the footage without losing quality.

  • The latest version of the software supports multiple audio formats by utilizing a new codec for playback.

  • To compress large video files for easier sharing, you need to choose an appropriate codec.

Surface Forms

codec singular
codecs plural

Morphology

codec = encoder + decoder (semi-transparent) = encode + decode

Formed as a clipped/blended combination of 'encoder' and 'decoder' (or encode/decode); the components are recognizable to technically aware learners but the clipped blended form is specialized and not fully predictable for an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Codec is short for coder-decoder and is also linked to compressor-decompressor, so think of it as a small 'translator' that changes sound or video into code and back again. That's why a codec is the program or device that encodes 'turns into code' and decodes 'turns back', and it often makes files smaller to save space or send more easily.