cryptocurrency

American  

[krip-toh-kur-uhn-see, -kuhr-] / ˈkrɪp toʊˌkɜr ən si, -ˌkʌr- /

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.

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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. ).

Etymology

Origin of cryptocurrency

First recorded in 2005–10; crypto- + currency

Example Sentences

Selig is a longtime derivatives lawyer who took an interest in cryptocurrency early in his career, building an expertise and a list of clients amid the industry’s tumultuous rise.

From The Wall Street Journal

The cryptocurrency exchange operator reported fourth-quarter revenue that missed expectations and swung to a loss in the period on steep declines in the price of Bitcoin and other digital currencies.

From Barron's

To draw a parallel, consider how the onset of spot bitcoin ETFs coincided with institutional participation in the cryptocurrency market.

From MarketWatch

If Washington succeeds completing a regulatory framework for digital assets, Bitcoin – the world’s biggest cryptocurrency – would be poised for increased market activity.

From Barron's

Groups representing cryptocurrency firms and banks met with White House officials on Thursday in an attempt to work through the latest roadblock delaying long-awaited legislation defining how the industry will be regulated.

From Barron's