What is "codec"

by 1970, an abbreviation from compressor-decompressor or coder-decoder, on model of modem.

n. (context computing English) A device or program capable of performing transformations on a data stream or signal.

A codec is a device or computer program for encoding or decoding a digital data stream or signal. Codec is a portmanteau of coder-decoder or, less commonly, compressor-decompressor.

A codec encodes a data stream or signal for transmission, storage or encryption, or decodes it for playback or editing. Codecs are used in videoconferencing, streaming media, and video editing applications.

Codec may mean:

• An audio codec converts between analog and digital representations or performs data compression.
• Codec, a hardware device or computer software used for coding and decoding transformations of data or signal media streams
• Codec, a fictional radio device used in the Metal Gear games
• A video codec is a device or software that enables video compression and/or decompression for digital video.