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

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies fell early Thursday as digital assets lost momentum after a strong start to the year.

From Barron's

For cryptocurrency funds, though, the quarter was a textbook illustration of the dangers of too much leverage.

From Barron's

“The cryptocurrency market has grown over the past week, but it is still in a downtrend and remains heavily dependent on Bitcoin due to its dominance,” analysts at crypto firm B2BINPAY said.

From Barron's

The US charged the 37-year-old, who was born in south-east China, last October with running internet scams from Cambodia that it said had stolen billions in cryptocurrency.

From BBC

It’s rare for the shares to rise when the large-cap cryptocurrency is falling.

From Barron's