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cryptography

[krip-tog-ruh-fee]
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noun
  1. the science or study of the techniques of secret writing, especially code and cipher systems, methods, and the like.Compare cryptanalysis(def 2).
  2. the procedures, processes, methods, etc., of making and using secret writing, as codes or ciphers.
  3. anything written in a secret code, cipher, or the like.

Origin of cryptography

First recorded in 1635–45; crypto- + -graphy
Related formscryp·tog·ra·pher, cryp·tog·ra·phist, nouncryp·to·graph·ic [krip-tuh-graf-ik] /ˌkrɪp təˈgræf ɪk/, cryp·to·graph·i·cal, cryp·tog·ra·phal, adjectivecryp·to·graph·i·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for cryptographer

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • I never was meant to be a cryptographer or whatever you call those brainy fellows who unravel ciphers and things!

    Behind the Green Door

    Mildred A. Wirt

British Dictionary definitions for cryptographer

cryptography

cryptology (krɪpˈtɒlədʒɪ)

noun
  1. the science or study of analysing and deciphering codes, ciphers, etc; cryptanalysis
Derived Formscryptographer, cryptographist or cryptologist, nouncryptographic (ˌkrɪptəˈɡræfɪk) or cryptographical, adjectivecryptographically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for cryptographer

cryptography

n.

1650s, from French cryptographie or directly from Modern Latin cryptographia, from Greek kryptos "hidden" (see crypt) + -graphy. Related: Cryptograph; cryptographer.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
cryptographer in Culture

cryptography

The science of coding and decoding messages so as to keep these messages secure. Coding (see encryption) takes place using a key that ideally is known only by the sender and intended recipient of the message.

Note

Historically used in warfare, cryptography is now used routinely in computer networks. This often pits the desire of individuals and businesses to keep Internet information private against the need of government to investigate crime and terrorism.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.