cryptography

[ krip-tog-ruh-fee ]

/ krɪpˈtɒg rə fi /

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See synonyms for: cryptography / cryptographer on Thesaurus.com

noun

the science or study of the techniques of secret writing, especially code and cipher systems, methods, and the like.Compare cryptanalysis (def. 2).

the procedures, processes, methods, etc., of making and using secret writing, as codes or ciphers.

Computers.

the study or process of using algorithms to scramble or hide data, validate messages and digital signatures, etc., in order to secure digital information against unauthorized access or corruption: Cryptography has been rapidly evolving to introduce more hacker-proof algorithms.
an instance of this: The application’s cryptography provides a strong element of security, but is unlikely to be proof against all cyber threats.

anything written in a secret code, cipher, or the like.

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Origin of cryptography

First recorded in 1635–45; crypto- + -graphy

OTHER WORDS FROM cryptography

cryp·tog·ra·pher, cryp·tog·ra·phist, nouncryp·to·graph·ic

[krip-tuh-graf-ik], /ˌkrɪp təˈgræf ɪk/, cryp·to·graph·i·cal, cryp·tog·ra·phal, adjectivecryp·to·graph·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby cryptography

cryptocurrency, cryptogam, cryptogenic, cryptogram, cryptograph, cryptography, crypto-Jew, cryptology, cryptomeria, cryptometer, cryptomnesia

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cryptography in a sentence

Much of modern cryptography is based on hiding data in a way that it would take modern computers too long to crack.
Exclusive: IBM achieves quantum computing breakthrough|Ina Fried|November 14, 2021|Axios
Transitioning to new cryptography is a notoriously tricky and lengthy task, and one it’s easy to ignore until it’s too late.
Hackers are stealing data today so quantum computers can crack it in a decade|Patrick Howell O'Neill|November 3, 2021|MIT Technology Review
Each transaction generates a block, and these blocks are linked to each other through cryptography.
Bitcoin is having a bumpy rollout as an official currency in El Salvador|Charlotte Hu|September 8, 2021|Popular-Science
Except now, all movements of money are tracked electronically on a computerized ledger, and your digital banknotes are secured through cryptography.
What exactly is a digital dollar, and how would it work?|Charlotte Hu|September 7, 2021|Popular-Science

Shermak said what her firm does is “true cryptography” that goes above and beyond other more widely-used approaches to obscuring personally-identifiable data such as salting and hashing.
In a perpetual mission to compete with the Facebook-Google duopoly, UK’s Channel 4 aims for more ad dollars with customer data sharing regime|Kate Kaye|June 16, 2021|Digiday
He began studying cryptography, code-breaking and puzzle-solving books.
Bob Dylan’s ‘Da Vinci Code’ Revealed|Chris Francescani|May 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Cryptography is the art of coding and decoding information between parties.
A New Trove of NSA Documents Reveal What Spies Read for Fun|Eli Lake|March 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
They are much more difficult to decipher than was the cryptography left by the pirate Kidd.
The Jenolan Caves|Samuel Cook
He held up a heavy volume called Cryptography for the Student.
The Caves of Fear|John Blaine
In cryptography it's a number, or letter, thrown in for the sake of appearance, or to confuse.
The Caves of Fear|John Blaine
He is the author of a work on cryptography, I believe, though I am ashamed to say I haven't yet read it.
The Shadow of the Czar|John R. Carling
I am not altogether ignorant of cryptography; it was Trevisa's favorite pursuit when we were at college.
The Shadow of the Czar|John R. Carling

British Dictionary definitions for cryptography

cryptography

cryptology (krɪpˈtɒlədʒɪ)

/ (krɪpˈtɒɡrəfɪ) /

noun

the science or study of analysing and deciphering codes, ciphers, etc; cryptanalysis

Derived forms of cryptography

cryptographer, cryptographist or cryptologist, nouncryptographic (ˌkrɪptəˈɡræfɪk) or cryptographical, adjectivecryptographically, adverb

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

Cultural definitions for cryptography

cryptography

The science of coding and decoding messages so as to keep these messages secure. Coding (see encryption) takes place using a key that ideally is known only by the sender and intended recipient of the message.

notes for cryptography

Historically used in warfare, cryptography is now used routinely in computer networks. This often pits the desire of individuals and businesses to keep Internet information private against the need of government to investigate crime and terrorism.

cryptography

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Origin of cryptography

OTHER WORDS FROM cryptography

Words nearby cryptography

Words related to cryptography

How to use cryptography in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for cryptography

cryptology (krɪpˈtɒlədʒɪ)

Derived forms of cryptography

Cultural definitions for cryptography

notes for cryptography