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

“Every single cryptocurrency that is not bitcoin just trades like a levered play on bitcoin.”

From MarketWatch

Under normal circumstances, Wednesday’s print would have been good for risk-on assets such as cryptocurrencies.

From Barron's

Still, cryptocurrency investors will pay close attention to the report for any clues about the likely path of U.S. monetary policy—interest rates and digital asset prices tend to move in opposite directions.

From Barron's

The company disclosed Monday that it had purchased nearly $1.3 billion worth of Bitcoin in the preceding week as the prices of cryptocurrencies broadly wavered.

From Barron's

Its top securities regulators went all in on cryptocurrency last year, just in time for Bitcoin’s 40% tumble.

From Barron's