cryptogenic

American

[krip-tuh-jen-ik] / ˌkrɪp təˈdʒɛn ɪk /

adjective

of obscure or unknown origin, as a disease.

cryptogenic British

/ ˌkrɪptəʊˈdʒɛnɪk /

adjective

(esp of diseases) of unknown or obscure origin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cryptogenic

First recorded in 1905–10; crypto- + -genic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Four years ago, however, she was diagnosed with cryptogenic cirrhosis of the liver, which over time has withered her once-full frame to a mere 100 pounds.

From New York Times • Jun. 29, 2013

In 2007, Rajaratnam suffered a “severe cryptogenic stroke,” or a stroke of undetermined cause, Wise said.

From BusinessWeek • Oct. 15, 2011

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023