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plaintext

plaintext

3.9
Text that is not encrypted and is easy to read
  • adjective
  • /ˈpleɪnˌtɛkst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : texto plano
  • For security reasons, always avoid sending sensitive information in plaintext over email.

Examples

  • When sharing code, it's best to provide it in plaintext format so others can easily copy it.

  • The document was saved as plaintext to ensure it could be easily read.

  • Exclusive all tells us that plaintext plus ciphertext gives key.

Synonyms

unencrypted
vsplaintext
  • Specialized
2 5.3

Not protected by a secret code so others can read it

focuses on ordinary readable text rather than coded or specially formatted

How Organized

database
  • Specialized
402 3.4
template
  • Texting
18 3.2
to table
  • Specialized
1 3.9
format
256 3.2
list
1.0
paragraph
289 1.5
plaintext
  • Specialized
3.9

Surface Forms

plaintext positive

Morphology

plaintext = plain + text (transparent) = plain + text

Meaning is directly derived from 'plain' (simple/unformatted) + 'text' (written words): denotes unencoded/unformatted readable text.

Etymology

Plaintext is a simple compound of plain ('simple' or 'clear') and text ('written words' or 'a message'), so as an adjective it means the words are in a simple, readable form. That's why calling a file or message plaintext means it is not hidden by codes or special formatting.