crypto

¹

[krip-toh]

noun

plural

cryptos 

1. a person who secretly supports or adheres to a group, party, or belief.

2. cryptocurrency.

3. cryptography.

adjective

1. secret or hidden; not publicly admitted.

   a crypto Nazi.

crypto-

²

1. a combining form meaning “hidden,” “secret,” used in the formation of compound words.

   cryptograph.

crypto-

combining form

1. secret, hidden, or concealed

   cryptography

   crypto-fascist

Word History and Origins

Origin of crypto¹

First recorded in 1945–50; probably independent use of crypto-; -o

Origin of crypto²

Combining form representing Greek kryptós hidden. See crypt

Word History and Origins

Origin of crypto¹

New Latin, from Greek kruptos hidden, from kruptein to hide

Example Sentences

But Gonzales-Torres told Salon that she believed Gomez had lost touch with the needs and desires of working-class residents in the district, and that his decisions in Congress have been compromised by his relationships with special interest groups, including the Israel lobby and the crypto industry.

From Salon

It all sounds flush as ever, another means for the Trumps to enrich themselves while they shower legislative gifts on their crypto donors and incorporate more of the industry’s tech into government.

From Slate

It’s a helluva lotta crypto, and a helluva lotta openings for revenue via the family’s private trusts.

From Slate

The Trumps themselves are hardly crypto ideologues, having strenuously opposed the very concept before embracing it during the 2024 reelection campaign.

From Slate

In a manner not dissimilar to how wealthy consumers are primarily keeping the unsteady American economy afloat, it’s only the most bullish of crypto investors hanging on to their pixelated money.

From Slate

When To Use

What does crypto- mean?

Crypto- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “hidden, secret.” It is used in many scientific, medical, and other technical terms.Crypto- comes from the Greek kryptós, meaning “hidden.” The word crypt also derives from this root. Dig up the connection at our entry for the word.In anatomy, crypto- specifically refers to a crypt in its specialized sense of a “slender pit or recess” or a “small glandular cavity.”What are variants of crypto-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, crypto- becomes crypt-, as in cryptitis.