cryptocurrency

[krip-toh-kur-uhn-see, -kuhr-]

noun

1. currency that exists only in electronic form, operates on a decentralized system of exchange, and uses advanced cryptography for security, or any individual currency of this type.

   Some expect cryptocurrency to become the dominant means of financing trade between markets.

   This particular cryptocurrency has a huge following among retail traders.

adjective

1. being or relating to virtual currency that uses advanced cryptography for security.

   They are one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges on the internet.

   She got caught running a cryptocurrency scam.

Usage

What's the difference between cryptocurrency, virtual currency, and digital currency? See digital currency ( def. ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptocurrency¹

First recorded in 2005–10; crypto- + currency

Example Sentences

Finally, institutional outflows have picked up, causing thinning liquidity, with several bitcoin exchange traded funds taking hits, while long-term holders of the cryptocurrency have been taking profits, which hasn’t been seen in previous crashes.

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Strategy has earned its reputation as the world’s largest corporate holder of the cryptocurrency through its steady purchases since establishing a Bitcoin treasury in 2020.

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Deepening losses in cryptocurrencies weigh on investors, as well.

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Their alleged target was a 17-year-old operator of a cryptocurrency business.

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If you want to see a scary bitcoin chart, don’t just look at one showing the cryptocurrency’s recent price collapse.

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