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

She said the cryptocurrency, which is correlated to the Nasdaq, can continue to make gains.

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We looked at which cryptocurrency ETFs best match the performance of the underlying coins.

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Banks also steered clear of industries that regulators deemed high risk, such as cryptocurrency, cannabis or payday lending.

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Financial regulators have examined unusual trading patterns in the shares of companies that sought to make buying cryptocurrencies their core corporate strategy, people familiar with the matter said.

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The playbook is to raise capital by issuing new shares or debt, and use the cash to stockpile bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

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