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

Lyne also claimed that criminals are increasingly using cryptocurrency, with the digital payment system, now featuring in at least a third of investment fraud reports in London.

From BBC

The cryptocurrency exchange Hyperliquid lists perpetual futures, a highly speculative flavor of derivatives, tracking West Texas Intermediate crude—the U.S. benchmark—and other commodities.

From The Wall Street Journal

Popular cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase and Gemini have recently added their own event contracts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Popular cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase and Gemini have recently added their own event contracts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors exposed to cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ether have been on a wild ride over the past year.

From The Wall Street Journal