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-; cf. -o

Origin of crypto-²

Combining form representing Greek kryptós hidden. See crypt

Example Sentences

SEC “innovation exemptions” and a token taxonomy clarification offer future optimism for crypto, despite past headwinds.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

The 233-year-old New York Stock Exchange is going all in on crypto.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The works are both non-fiction, which is more than McKenzie can say for crypto.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

Removing ambiguity around how crypto is regulated would make it easier for institutional investors to buy digital assets and for traditional finance firms such as banks to offer their own crypto products.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

“After university I went straight to work as a crypto math researcher at the Doughnut,” she said.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti