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.

---

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

The year-end plunge in cryptocurrencies has rattled companies that had bet heavily on bitcoin, sending share prices tumbling and reviving fears of a bubble.

From Barron's

“Bitcoin and cryptocurrency have been around for how many years at this point? Only now are we seeing movement from the IRS,” DeRosa says.

From Barron's

For about a decade, whenever Jay Moorer wanted to add to his investment portfolio, he opened an app on his phone to buy stocks or cryptocurrencies.

From The Wall Street Journal

A few years ago, a California cryptocurrency developer hired a freelance coder remotely for a project.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before diving into AI, Sacks shepherded an ambitious cryptocurrency bill providing legal clarity for digital assets.

From Barron's