public-key
noun
pub·lic-key
ˈpə-blik-ˈkē 
often attributive
: a cryptographic element that is the publicly shared half of an encryption code and that can be used only to encode messages
Examples of public-key in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rodriguez points to advances in domain name system security extensions (DNSSEC), which uses digital signatures based on public-key cryptography to strengthen the authentication of the domain name system.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 6 May 2026
Google is dramatically shortening its readiness deadline for the arrival of Q Day, the point at which existing quantum computers can break public-key cryptography algorithms that secure decades’ worth of secrets belonging to militaries, banks, governments, and nearly every individual on earth.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 25 Mar. 2026
Quantum decryption threatens public-key cryptography.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 27 Feb. 2026
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IEEE Spectrum, 6 May 2026
Google is dramatically shortening its readiness deadline for the arrival of Q Day, the point at which existing quantum computers can break public-key cryptography algorithms that secure decades’ worth of secrets belonging to militaries, banks, governments, and nearly every individual on earth.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 25 Mar. 2026
Quantum decryption threatens public-key cryptography.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Public-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public-key. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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