crypto

¹ American  

[krip-toh] / ˈkrɪp toʊ /

noun

plural

cryptos

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

2. cryptocurrency.

3. cryptography.

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adjective

1. secret or hidden; not publicly admitted.

   a crypto Nazi.

crypto- ² American  

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

   cryptograph.

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crypto- British  

combining form

1. secret, hidden, or concealed

   cryptography

   crypto-fascist

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of crypto¹

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

Origin of crypto-¹

Combining form representing Greek kryptós hidden. See crypt

Example Sentences

In February 2025, sports-related prediction markets generated about $37 million in volume, barely beating out crypto markets to become the second-largest category by volume, behind politics.

From MarketWatch

Ryan pointed out that crypto trading volumes total over $7 trillion a month, while U.S. equities see over $10 trillion in volume a month.

From MarketWatch

For prediction markets to catch up to crypto or equities, both Ryan and Peterffy said that financial institutions will have to embrace the new asset class.

From MarketWatch

Market sentiment about crypto has changed quickly.

From Barron's

Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z and Millennials think that the only way to build wealth today is through alternative methods like gambling and crypto, according to the Harris Poll.

From The Wall Street Journal