crypto

noun cryp·to \ ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of crypto

plural cryptos

1 : a person who adheres or belongs secretly to a party, sect, or other group

2 : cryptography 2

Recent Examples of crypto from the Web

Retail traders this week took to social media to express disappointment in the government’s latest crypto restrictions.

— gregor stuart hunter, WSJ, "Regulators World-Wide Are Cracking Down on Cryptocurrencies. India’s Next.," 6 Apr. 2018
In 2017 crypto-currency miners brought in revenues of $1bn.

— The Economist, "TSMC is about to become the world’s most advanced chipmaker," 5 Apr. 2018
However, with Bitcoin/crypto just recently gaining acceptance in the public eye, the likely damage in public perception to this class of technology could put it back 5~10 years, and cause governments to react swiftly and harshly.

— adrianne jeffries, The Verge, "Inside the bizarre upside-down bankruptcy of Mt. Gox," 22 Mar. 2018
Venezuela launched the Petro last month, and had touted the new crypto-currency as a way to raise international financing amid Washington’s crackdown.

— jim wyss, miamiherald, "Washington aims at Venezuela’s crypto-currency in new round of sanctions | Miami Herald," 19 Mar. 2018
Thanks to the crypto businesses, the city's exceeded its allotment of hydro power twice this winter.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "New York Town Bans Bitcoin Miners," 16 Mar. 2018
Regulators have halted what was touted as one of the largest cryptocurrency mobile systems in the U.S., alleging the venture instead was a crypto scam.

— kevin mccoy, USA TODAY, "Regulators allege AriseBank initial coin offering was a crypto scam," 30 Jan. 2018
Japan is typically considered a country with one of the loosest regulatory landscapes for crypto exchanges and investors.

— kosaku narioka, WSJ, "Japan Suspends Trading on Two Cryptocurrency Exchanges," 8 Mar. 2018
Now, a second Wu-Tang Clan member is getting involved in the crypto game, albeit a touch more indirectly.

— dan rys, Billboard, "Ol' Dirty Bastard Estate, Link Media Launch ODB-Themed Cryptocurrency 'Dirty Coin'," 6 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crypto.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of crypto

crypt-

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1946

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

crypto

adjective

Definition of crypto

1 : not openly avowed or declared —often used in combination

crypto-fascist

2 : cryptographic

Recent Examples of crypto from the Web

Video: Sharon Shi and Crystal Tai South Korean prosecutors this week detained the heads of two crypto exchanges—including Coinnest, one of the country’s largest—for allegedly embezzling customers’ assets.

— gregor stuart hunter, WSJ, "Regulators World-Wide Are Cracking Down on Cryptocurrencies. India’s Next.," 6 Apr. 2018
Regulators also worry about the risk of crypto assets being stolen because hackers often attempt to breach exchanges where cryptocurrencies are kept.

— dave michaels, WSJ, "Crypto-Focused Hedge Funds on SEC’s Radar," 22 Mar. 2018
Practice general computer security hygiene every single day to reduce your risk of downloading malware that targets crypto transactions.

— herb weisbaum, NBC News, "The hidden dangers of buying virtual currency go beyond a simple hack," 2 Mar. 2018
And Hooters is now serving crypto currency with its burgers.

— sean gallagher, Ars Technica, "Second opinion: Ars readers’ picks for the Deathwatch errata," 4 Jan. 2018
European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis discusses President Trump's tariffs, the results of the Italian election, and talks about Brexit and regulating crypto currencies.

— Bloomberg, "Dombrovskis Says EU Will React to Trump’s Tariffs," 7 Mar. 2018
Its encrypted messenger app, particularly popular with the global crypto crowd, is already used by nearly 200m people.

— The Economist, "Crypto for the massesTelegram’s initial coin offering is hot but controversial," 1 Feb. 2018
Beenest’s first listings will be successful Airbnb hosts who are also crypto enthusiasts, Chou said.

— carolyn said, San Francisco Chronicle, "Bitcoin, ethereum can pay for home rentals through San Francisco startup," 26 Jan. 2018
Bitcoin, however, has become the cryptocurrency standard operating much like U.S. dollar would operate in public currency markets, but in the crypto realm.

— michael c. dealoia, cleveland.com, "Cleveland-area entrepreneurs are pouring resources into new-currency technolgoy: Tech Czar Talk," 25 Feb. 2018

First Known Use of crypto

1681

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

crypto

noun cryp·to \ ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō \

medical Definition of crypto

: cryptosporidium 2; also : cryptosporidiosis

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