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

Certainly AI, cryptocurrency, the NFTs, digital surveillance and dozens of other subjects have given today’s artists plenty of fodder to consider.

From The Wall Street Journal

Shares of digital-asset treasury company Hyperliquid Strategies have surged this year, driven by investors betting that the decentralized cryptocurrency exchange with a similar name is setting a new template for the future of trading.

From MarketWatch

Energy price jumps from the Iran war and potential tighter monetary policy negatively impacted risk assets like cryptocurrencies.

From Barron's

The cryptocurrency’s falls followed a cautious tone from the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

Risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, faced pressure following Fed comments, with Bitcoin’s fate tied to Middle East tensions.

From Barron's