cryptanalysis

[ krip-tuh-nal-uh-sis ]

noun

1. the procedures, processes, methods, etc., used to translate or interpret secret writings, as codes and ciphers, for which the key is unknown.
2. the science or study of such procedures. Compare cryptography ( def 1 ).

cryptanalysis

/ ˌkrɪptænəˈlɪtɪk; ˌkrɪptəˈnælɪsɪs /

noun

1. the study of codes and ciphers; cryptography

Derived Forms

• cryptanalytic, adjective
• cryptˈanalyst, noun

Other Words From

• crypt·an·a·lyt·ic [krip-tan-l-, it, -ik], adjective
• cryptan·a·lyti·cal·ly adverb
• crypt·an·a·lyst [krip-, tan, -l-ist], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptanalysis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptanalysis¹

C20: from cryptograph + analysis