ciphertext
noun
ci·pher·text
ˈsī-fər-ˌtekst 
: the enciphered form of a text or of its elements compare plaintext
Examples of ciphertext in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Post-quantum schemes are usually accompanied by larger keys, larger signatures or ciphertext, and sometimes slower verification.
—
Darko Pavic, Forbes.com, 11 May 2026
The researchers estimate that the attack would require about 125 days to decrypt the ciphertext.
—ArsTechnica, 17 Feb. 2026
Careful scrutiny of the ciphertext can sometimes provide clues, but if all else fails, try all possible lengths.
—Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025
Another computational bottleneck entails an operation called bootstrapping, which is needed to periodically remove noise from ciphertexts, Agrawal says.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Sep. 2025
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Darko Pavic, Forbes.com, 11 May 2026
The researchers estimate that the attack would require about 125 days to decrypt the ciphertext.
—ArsTechnica, 17 Feb. 2026
Careful scrutiny of the ciphertext can sometimes provide clues, but if all else fails, try all possible lengths.
—Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025
Another computational bottleneck entails an operation called bootstrapping, which is needed to periodically remove noise from ciphertexts, Agrawal says.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ciphertext.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ciphertext. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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