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n. A security feature, as on a webpage, that attempts to distinguish between legitimate human users and bots by requiring users to perform a mildly challenging task such as deciphering distorted text. [Acronym of c(ompletely) a(utomated) p(ublic) T(uring test to tell) c(omputers and) h(umans) a(part), coined in 2000 by the researchers who developed the security feature and intended to suggest a colloquial pronunciation of CAPTURE.] |
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