ENGLISH
REFERENCE

crypto

n. · adj.
US //ˈkɹɪptoʊ// cryp·to
  1. 1 cryptocurrency (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Computing

    digital money like Bitcoin that is not controlled by a central bank.

    an informal clipping of cryptocurrency, referring to digital or virtual currencies underpinned by cryptographic systems.

    Example

    He lost a lot of money when the price of crypto crashed last year.

    Example

    The volatility of crypto has led many traditional investors to remain cautious despite the potential for high returns in decentralized finance.
    • fiat currency
  2. 2 cryptography (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Technical Computing

    the study or use of secret codes to protect information.

    an informal clipping of cryptography, referring to the practice and study of techniques for secure communication.

    Example

    She is an expert in crypto and works for a cybersecurity firm.

    Example

    Advances in quantum computing pose a significant theoretical threat to current crypto standards used to secure global financial transactions.
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  1. 3 medical infection (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal Technical Medicine

    a short name for certain types of germs or the illnesses they cause.

    an informal clipping for various medical conditions or pathogens, most commonly Cryptosporidium or Cryptococcus.

    Example

    The doctor ordered a test to see if the patient had crypto.

    Example

    The public health department issued a warning after several cases of crypto were linked to the local swimming complex.

  2. 4 secret or hidden (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    describing someone who keeps their true political or religious beliefs a secret.

    denoting a person who secretly supports a particular party, doctrine, or religion while appearing to be neutral or opposed.

    Example

    The journalist was accused of being a crypto-communist during the election.

    Example

    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'.
Origin

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.

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