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

Crypto stocks also dropped as investors dumped risk-on assets like Bitcoin, which has fallen 2.2% over the past 24 hours to below $91,000.

From Barron's

Crypto advocates have long argued that blockchain technology could improve the workings of markets for traditional securities, which rely on decades-old processes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some crypto firms have launched tokens that track popular stocks such as Nvidia and Tesla and trade 24/7 on exchanges outside the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

The crypto industry argues that blockchain technology could make it easier for companies to raise capital, by issuing securities via digital tokens.

From The Wall Street Journal

The broader crypto market experienced a downturn, with Ethereum and XRP both falling 4%, leading to $600 million in liquidated long crypto positions.

From Barron's