crypto

¹

[krip-toh]

noun

plural

cryptos 

1. a person who secretly supports or adheres to a group, party, or belief.

2. cryptocurrency.

3. cryptography.

adjective

1. secret or hidden; not publicly admitted.

   a crypto Nazi.

crypto-

²

1. a combining form meaning “hidden,” “secret,” used in the formation of compound words.

   cryptograph.

crypto-

combining form

1. secret, hidden, or concealed

   cryptography

   crypto-fascist

Word History and Origins

Origin of crypto¹

First recorded in 1945–50; probably independent use of crypto-; -o

Origin of crypto²

Combining form representing Greek kryptós hidden. See crypt

Word History and Origins

Origin of crypto¹

New Latin, from Greek kruptos hidden, from kruptein to hide

Example Sentences

But crypto investors will be hoping the rebound comes a bit sooner this time around.

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The world’s largest crypto by market cap has moved 0.9% higher over the past 24 hours to $92,287, according to CoinDesk data.

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The Spanish football giant Barcelona has told fans it has "no connection whatsoever" with the digital coin offered by its new crypto partner, following criticism over the deal.

Read more on BBC

University of Sussex professor Carol Alexander said the Barcelona brand gives enormous visibility to crypto firms like ZKP - but there is "substantial risk for supporters who buy the tokens".

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"Before buying any crypto asset they should ask who controls it, where the documentation is, and what recourse they have if it fails," she said.

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When To Use

What does crypto- mean?

Crypto- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “hidden, secret.” It is used in many scientific, medical, and other technical terms.Crypto- comes from the Greek kryptós, meaning “hidden.” The word crypt also derives from this root. Dig up the connection at our entry for the word.In anatomy, crypto- specifically refers to a crypt in its specialized sense of a “slender pit or recess” or a “small glandular cavity.”What are variants of crypto-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, crypto- becomes crypt-, as in cryptitis.