# shellcode

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A small piece of code, used as the payload of a virus or other malware, that launches a shell so that the attacker can control the compromised computer.

## Etymology
From shell + code.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/shellcode