crypto

1 of 2

noun

cryp·​to ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō 

plural cryptos

1

: cryptocurrency

A specialty finance firm … is the first to offer brokers the option to get their commissions paid up front, in crypto, underscoring how digital coins are becoming a more mainstream part of financial transactions.

—Jennifer Schonberger

—often used before another noun

crypto assets

the crypto market

2

: cryptography sense 2

3

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

And jaws dropped, he said, when he explained the theory that Christopher Columbus was a "crypto" or hidden Jew.

—Kim Vo

crypto-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or before a vowel crypt-

1

: hidden : covered

cryptogenic

2

: hidden by dissembling : unavowed

crypto-fascist

3

: cryptographic

cryptanalysis

Examples of crypto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Aligning Data Security Strategies For A Quantum Future Commvault’s early efforts in post-quantum cryptography and crypto-agility demonstrate a commitment to long-term data security. —Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Meanwhile, the New York Stock Exchange went to bat for the planned crypto ETF from President Trump's Truth Social, asking for a rule change to allow the bitcoin and ethereum ETF to launch. —Talia Kaplan,jordan Smith, CNBC, 25 June 2025

In the video, which has since been restricted … Reps. Miller, Nunn talk crypto legislation, tax provisions Welcome to Crypto Corner, a daily feature focused on digital currency and its outlook in Washington. —Julia Shapero, The Hill, 25 June 2025

Use your card to buy crypto via fiat-to-crypto conversion. —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 25 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

(senses 1 & 2) by shortening; (sense 3) independent use of crypto-

Combining form

combining form from Greek kryptós "hidden, secret" — more at crypt

First Known Use

Noun

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Medical Definition

crypto

noun

cryp·​to ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō 

: cryptosporidium sense 2

also : cryptosporidiosis