Final answer:
The term that describes each amino acid being coded by more than one codon in the genetic code is 'degenerate'. This degeneracy serves as a protective feature against mutation-induced errors during protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used when describing the genetic code, that refers to the fact that each amino acid can be coded for by more than one codon, is degenerate. Degeneracy of the genetic code helps prevent errors during protein synthesis by providing a buffer against mutations, particularly at the third nucleotide position of the codon, known as the wobble position. For instance, the amino acid threonine is coded for by four different codons (ACU, ACC, ACA, and ACG), which means that a random mutation at the third position might still code for the same amino acid or an amino acid with similar chemical properties.