bar code

Thân thiện

A cashier scans the bar code on a cereal box.

Definition

Noun: A bar code is a pattern of parallel vertical lines (bars) of varying widths and spacings. This pattern represents data that can be read by an optical scanner, such as a laser. It is printed on product packaging to uniquely identify an item. When scanned, a computer system uses this code to retrieve information like the product's price and to update inventory records.

Usage

A bar code is used for automated identification and data capture. It is primarily found on items for sale in retail environments but is also used in libraries, warehouses, and for tracking documents.

Examples

• The cashier scanned the bar code on the cereal box to ring it up.
• Modern inventory systems rely heavily on bar code technology for accuracy and speed.
• Please ensure the bar code on the package is not damaged or obscured.

Advanced Usage

• "To scan a bar code": The primary action of reading the code with a scanner.
  • The warehouse worker scanned the bar code on each box to log its arrival.
• "Bar code reader/scanner": The device used to read the code. (Note: This is a related compound term, not the target word itself).
• "Bar code symbology": Refers to the specific language or standard of the bar code, such as UPC or Code 128.

Variants and Related Words

• UPC (Universal Product Code): A specific, common type of bar code used on retail products in North America.
• QR code: A two-dimensional matrix barcode that can store more data than a traditional linear bar code and is readable by smartphones.
• Barcode (as a single word): A common alternative spelling.

Synonyms

• Universal Product Code (UPC): (Specific type)
• Symbol: (In a technical, data capture context)
• Machine-readable code: (Descriptive term)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Lives by the bar code": (Informal/figurative) Describes someone whose job is intensely focused on scanning and processing items, often in retail or logistics.
  • After ten years as a cashier, he felt like he lived by the bar code.

Học thuật

Noun

1. code consisting of a series of vertical bars of variable width that are scanned by a laser; printed on consumer product packages to identify the item for a computer that provides the price and registers inventory information

Từ đồng nghĩa

• universal product code