cryptanalysis

[krip-tuh-nal-uh-sis]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR cryptanalysis ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the procedures, processes, methods, etc., used to translate or interpret secret writings, as codes and ciphers, for which the key is unknown.

the science or study of such procedures.Compare cryptography(def 1).

RELATED WORDS

cryptography

Origin of cryptanalysis

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; crypt(ogram) + analysis

Related formscrypt·an·a·lyt·ic

[krip-tan-l-it-ik] /ˌkrɪp tæn lˈɪt ɪk/, adjectivecrypt·an·a·lyt·i·cal·ly, adverbcrypt·an·a·lyst

[krip-tan-l-ist] /krɪpˈtæn l ɪst/, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for cryptanalysis

cryptanalysis

noun

the study of codes and ciphers; cryptography

Derived Formscryptanalytic (ˌkrɪptænəˈlɪtɪk), adjectivecryptanalyst, noun

Word Origin for cryptanalysis

C20: from cryptograph + analysis

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