Word
crypto
Phoneticscryp·to, stress on the first syllable
/ˈkɹɪptoʊ/
Definitions
01cryptocurrency
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing Informal
n. digital money like Bitcoin that is not controlled by a central bank.
n. an informal clipping of cryptocurrency, referring to digital or virtual currencies underpinned by cryptographic systems.
“He lost a lot of money when the price of crypto crashed last year.”
“The volatility of crypto has led many traditional investors to remain cautious despite the potential for high returns in decentralized finance.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02cryptography
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Computing Informal · Technical
n. the study or use of secret codes to protect information.
n. an informal clipping of cryptography, referring to the practice and study of techniques for secure communication.
“She is an expert in crypto and works for a cybersecurity firm.”
“Advances in quantum computing pose a significant theoretical threat to current crypto standards used to secure global financial transactions.”
Synonyms
03medical infection
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Informal · Technical
n. a short name for certain types of germs or the illnesses they cause.
n. an informal clipping for various medical conditions or pathogens, most commonly Cryptosporidium or Cryptococcus.
“The doctor ordered a test to see if the patient had crypto.”
“The public health department issued a warning after several cases of crypto were linked to the local swimming complex.”
04secret or hidden
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. describing someone who keeps their true political or religious beliefs a secret.
adj. denoting a person who secretly supports a particular party, doctrine, or religion while appearing to be neutral or opposed.
“The journalist was accused of being a crypto-communist during the election.”
“The historian argued that the senator was a crypto-monarchist who sought to undermine democratic institutions from within.”
Usage
Often used as a prefix in compound words like 'crypto-fascist'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “crypto” in context.
Real-World Examples
“The HMRC stats show that this tiny group of crypto millionaires made £717m of the total £1.38bn crypto asset gains – reported by 17,600 people – in 2024/25.” “HMRC said the new powers would force "crypto bros to pay their fair share of tax" when the rules were announced last year.” Etymology
All senses trace back to clippings of words derived from the prefix crypto-, developed at various times in the 20th and 21st centuries. During the 2010s and 2020s, the "cryptocurrency" sense has become the dominant sense. The "cryptography" sense predates that one; thus, a computer or math geek in earlier decades would be referring to cryptography when using this word. The "secret supporter or follower" sense is clipped from such terms as cryptofascist and cryptocommunist. The several informal senses in medicine referring to several microbe genera or the diseases they cause have existed since circa the mid-20th century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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