cryptonym

[krip-tuh-nim]

noun

1. a secret name or word; a code name or code word.

Other Word Forms

• cryptonymous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptonym¹

First recorded in 1860–65; crypt- ( def. ) + -onym ( def. ); probably modeled on French cryptonyme

Example Sentences

A 1967 Inspector General’s report on plots to assassinate Castro, released to the public in 1998, sketched out Mr. Cubela’s overtures to the CIA and then his deepening involvement in covert planning, given the cryptonym “Amlash.”

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The foundation’s cryptonym database compiles the true identities of code-named CIA assets.

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“WUSALINE could refer to Zapata,” Simpich, the cryptonym expert, commented.

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In a 1964 report, Devine is identified by the cryptonym WUBRINY/1.

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It seemed like a dumb cryptonym to me, but Ishmael was somehow amused.

Read more on Nature