crypto

1 of 2

noun

cryp·​to ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō 

plural cryptos

1

: 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

2

: cryptography sense 2

3

: 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

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

While Gensler’s assessment has merit, the idea that crypto is merely a speculative playground with no fundamental value is neglectful and outdated. —Edan Yago, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Bitcoin tumbles to less than $100,000 as a strong U.S. dollar hits crypto 🥵 How hot is too hot on a plane? —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 9 Jan. 2025

It was eventually sold to Bullish, a crypto exchange. —Sara Fischer, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025

Analysts believe forms of crypto could see a game-changing year in 2025. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Combining form

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

First Known Use

Noun

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

crypto

noun

cryp·​to ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō 

: cryptosporidium sense 2

also : cryptosporidiosis