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

People buying cryptocurrency in the UK now need to share their account details or face penalties, in changes that came into effect on 1 January.

From BBC

A generation of new investors have gravitated toward slick brokerage apps that make it easy and inexpensive to trade stocks, options and cryptocurrencies.

From The Wall Street Journal

His administration has also dropped several enforcement cases against crypto businesses and has pushed to make it easier for Americans to use retirement savings to invest in non-traditional assets like cryptocurrencies.

From BBC

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies rose on Wednesday, set for a positive end to a tough year that saw digital assets hit record highs before falling back dramatically.

From Barron's

After tech’s strong recent run, and amid fears over an AI bubble and pressure on cryptocurrencies, it’s certainly something to keep in mind.

From Barron's