Barcodes have become an integral part of modern-day retail and inventory management systems. They are used to store and retrieve information about products, prices, and other relevant data. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the term barcode, its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
A barcode is a series of vertical bars and spaces of varying widths that represent a code consisting of a series of numbers, letters, or other characters. It is a machine-readable representation of information that is used to identify products, track inventory, and automate the checkout process.
Origin
The first barcode was invented in 1948 by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver. They were inspired by Morse code and developed a system of linear barcodes that could be scanned by a light beam. The first commercial use of barcodes was in the 1960s by the railroad industry to track freight cars.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a barcode is “a code consisting of a series of vertical bars of variable width that are scanned by a laser, read by a computer, and converted into a digital signal.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a barcode as “a machine-readable code consisting of a series of vertical bars and spaces of varying widths, printed on a product and used especially for stock control.”
Associations
Barcodes are associated with retail and inventory management systems. They are used to track products, prices, and other relevant data. They are also used in libraries to track books and other materials.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of barcode include:
- UPC code.
- EAN code.
- QR code.
- Data matrix code.
- 2D barcode.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of barcode, but some related terms include:
- Manual inventory tracking.
- Non-automated checkout systems.
The same root words
There are no root words associated with barcode.
Example Sentences
- The cashier scanned the barcode on the product to retrieve its price.
- The library uses barcodes to track books and other materials.
- The inventory management system uses barcodes to track product quantities and locations.
- The QR code on the advertisement takes you to the company’s website when scanned.