encryption

American  

[en-krip-shuhn] / ɛnˈkrɪp ʃən /

noun

1. the act or practice of converting messages into cipher or code.

   During World War II, the encryption process involved code tables and a machine.

2. Computers. the act or practice of changing digital data into a form that cannot be read without converting it back using a unique key.

   Though its data encryption is strong, the app has other security flaws exploited by hackers.

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encryption Cultural  

1. The process of encoding a message so that it can be read only by the sender and the intended recipient. Encryption systems often use two keys, a public key, available to anyone, and a private key that allows only the recipient to decode the message. (See also cryptography.)

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Etymology

Origin of encryption

First recorded in 1940–45; 1960–65 encryption for def. 2; encrypt ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Breaking the encryption behind major cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ether may be easier than previously thought, according to a blog post and new research paper from Google released Tuesday.

From MarketWatch

Breaking the encryption behind major cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ether may be easier than previously thought, according to a new research paper from Google released Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

Breaking the encryption behind major cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ether may be easier than previously thought, according to a new research paper from Google released Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It could also contribute to safer data transmission, optical encryption and advanced imaging."

From Science Daily

Along with Sony, Universal is suing the company, claiming it ripped copyrighted music from YouTube by circumventing YouTube’s encryption methods designed to block such actions.

From The Wall Street Journal