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

International law enforcement seized Russian crypto exchange Garantex, which has long been popular with cybercriminals to launder funds. —Sam Sabin, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025

That’s all fine for now, and the administration deserves enormous credit for reversing course on the outwardly hostile approach to crypto of the previous administration. —Norbert Michel, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

Beyond the crypto trade, online lenders and payments companies also fell more than the broader market. —Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025

Americans are still falling for romance and crypto scams. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 10 Mar. 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