Code and Act

noun

• A set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones.
  • synonyms: codification
• A coding system used for transmitting messages requiring brevity or secrecy.
• Computer science. ( the symbolic arrangement of data or instructions in a computer program or the set of such instructions)
  • synonyms: computer code

verb

• Attach a code to.
  • usage: "Code the pieces with numbers so that you can identify them later"
• Convert ordinary language into code.
  • usage: "We should encode the message for security reasons"
  • synonyms: encipher, cipher, cypher, encrypt, inscribe, write in code

• (n.) A body of law, sanctioned by legislation, in which the rules of law to be specifically applied by the courts are set forth in systematic form; a compilation of laws by public authority; a digest.
• (n.) Any system of rules or regulations relating to one subject; as, the medical code, a system of rules for the regulation of the professional conduct of physicians; the naval code, a system of rules for making communications at sea means of signals.

noun

• A legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body.
  • synonyms: enactment
• Something that people do or cause to happen.
  • synonyms: deed, human action, human activity
• A subdivision of a play or opera or ballet.
• A short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program.
  • usage: "he did his act three times every evening"; "she had a catchy little routine"; "it was one of the best numbers he ever did"
  • synonyms: routine, number, turn, bit
• A manifestation of insincerity.
  • usage: "he put on quite an act for her benefit"

verb

• Perform an action, or work out or perform (an action. )
  • usage: "think before you act"; "We must move quickly"; "The governor should act on the new energy bill"; "The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel"
  • synonyms: move
• Behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself.
  • usage: "You should act like an adult"; "Don't behave like a fool"; "What makes her do this way"; "The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people"
  • synonyms: behave, do
• Play a role or part.
  • usage: "Gielgud played Hamlet"; "She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role"; "She played the servant to her husband's master"
  • synonyms: play, represent
• Discharge one's duties.
  • usage: "She acts as the chair"; "In what capacity are you acting"
• Pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind.
  • usage: "He acted the idiot"; "She plays deaf when the news are bad"
  • synonyms: play, act as
• Be suitable for theatrical performance.
  • usage: "This scene acts well"
• Have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected.
  • usage: "The voting process doesn't work as well as people thought"; "How does your idea work in practice"; "This method doesn't work"; "The breaks of my new car act quickly"; "The medicine works only if you take it with a lot of water"
  • synonyms: work
• Be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure.
• Behave unnaturally or affectedly.
  • usage: "She's just acting"
  • synonyms: dissemble, pretend
• Perform on a stage or theater.
  • usage: "She acts in this play"; "He acted in `Julius Caesar'"; "I played in `A Christmas Carol'"
  • synonyms: play, roleplay, playact

• (n.) That which is done or doing; the exercise of power or the effect, of which power exerted is the cause; a performance; a deed.
• (n.) The result of public deliberation; the decision or determination of a legislative body, council, court of justice, etc.; a decree, edit, law, judgment, resolve, award; as, an act of Parliament or of Congress.
• (n.) A formal solemn writing, expressing that something has been done.
• (n.) A performance of part of a play; one of the principal divisions of a play or dramatic work in which a certain definite part of the action is completed.
• (n.) A thesis maintained in public, in some English universities, by a candidate for a degree or to show the proficiency of a student.
• (n.) A state of reality or real existence as opposed to a possibility or possible existence.
• (n.) Process of doing; action. In act, in the very doing; on the point of (doing).
• (v.t.) To move to action; to actuate; to animate.
• (v.t.) To perform; to execute; to do.
• (v.t.) To perform, as an actor; to represent dramatically on the stage.
• (v.t.) To assume the office or character of; to play; to personate; as, to act the hero.
• (v.t.) To feign or counterfeit; to simulate.
• (v.i.) To exert power; to produce an effect; as, the stomach acts upon food.
• (v.i.) To perform actions; to fulfill functions; to put forth energy; to move, as opposed to remaining at rest; to carry into effect a determination of the will.
• (v.i.) To behave or conduct, as in morals, private duties or public offices; to bear or deport one's self; as, we know not why he has acted so.
• (v.i.) To perform on the stage; to represent a character.

Act is a bill which has passed through the various legislative steps and, hence, has become law.