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-²

Combining form representing Greek kryptós hidden. See crypt

Example Sentences

The Treasury sanctioned two small crypto exchanges in January for transferring large sums to digital wallets linked to the IRGC.

From The Wall Street Journal

The world’s largest crypto has risen 2.6% over the past 24 hours to $68,960, according to CoinDesk.

From Barron's

A dispute between crypto firms and banks over stablecoin reward programs, like Coinbase’s 3.5% yield, stalls the bill.

From Barron's

The crypto bill has been one of the biggest legislative priorities for the White House this year.

From Barron's

Among other provisions, the bill would delineate when crypto markets are subject to securities regulation, likely placing most of the industry under the purview of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

From Barron's