cyber-

¹ American  

Digital Technology.

1. a combining form meaning “computer,” “computer network,” or “virtual reality,” used in the formation of compound words (cybertalk; cyberart; cyberspace ) and by extension meaning “expressing visions of the future” (cyberfashion ).

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cyber ² American  

[sahy-ber] / ˈsaɪ bər /

noun

1. (used alone as a substitute for many compound words that begin with the combining form cyber-, as cyberattack, cybersecurity, cyberterrorism, orcyberwarfare ): Ethical hackers are being recruited for careers in cyber.

   GPS may be vulnerable to jamming and cyber.

   Ethical hackers are being recruited for careers in cyber.

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adjective

1. of or relating to computers, typically to one of the technology domains named with the combining form cyber-, as cyberterrorism, cyberwarfare, or cyberattack: several cyber breaches; cyber plots.

   a cyber threat;

   several cyber breaches;

   cyber operations;

   cyber plots.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in cybersex.

   People playing the MMO were cybering in voice chat, sometimes without even creating a separate channel to keep it private.

cyber- British  

combining form

1. indicating computers

   cyberphobia

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cyber– Scientific  

1. A prefix that means “computer” or “computer network,” as in cyberspace, the electronic medium in which online communication takes place.

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Usage

What does cyber- mean? Cyber- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “computer” or "computer network." In many instances, it is used to refer generally to the internet. It is often used in technical terms, especially in computer science.Cyber- comes from a shortening of the term cybernetics, meaning “the study of communication and control in humans and mechanical systems.” Cybernetics ultimately comes from Greek kybernḗtēs, meaning "helmsman" or "steersman.” Learn more about cybernetics (and how it is related to the word govern) at our entry for the term.

Etymology

Origin of cyber-¹

Extracted from cybernetics

Origin of cyber¹

First recorded in 1990–95; from cyber- ( def. )

Example Sentences

They were handed prison terms on three charges -- including "cyber terrorism" and "intentional dissemination of false and fake information" -- to run concurrently, the document said.

From Barron's

Stephen, a cyber security consultant, said the reaction in Stornoway has been amazing.

From BBC

These include hypersonic missiles, space and cyber weapons, drones, and as ever nuclear weapons.

From The Wall Street Journal

ServiceNow generates a lot of cash flow, which it has used to make acquisitions, not only in AI but cyber protection.

From Barron's

Brussels unveiled the proposal as part of plans to revise its cybersecurity rules in a bid to bolster Europe's defences against a surge in cyber attacks.

From Barron's

Related Words

• computerized