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crypto-

prefix

  1. combining form meaning "hidden : covered"
  2. combining form meaning "hidden by dissembling : unavowed"
  3. combining form meaning "cryptographic"
L1355584 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /kɹɪptoʊ-/

prefix

Etymology: Etymology tree Ancient Greek κρῠ́πτω (krŭ́ptō) Ancient Greek κρῠπτός (krŭptós)der. English crypto- Derived from Ancient Greek κρῠπτός (krŭptós, “hidden, secret”).

  1. Hidden, invisible.

    crypto- + crystalline → cryptocrystalline (“whose crystalline nature only becomes apparent at high levels of magnification”)

    crypto- + zoology → cryptozoology (“the study of animals whose existence has not been proven”)

  2. Secret.

    crypto- + fascist → cryptofascist

    crypto- + -lect → cryptolect (“a secret language”)

  3. Relating to cryptography, the study of secret communication.

    crypto- + function → cryptofunction

    crypto- + variable → cryptovariable

  4. Cryptocurrency.

    crypto- + asset → cryptoasset

    crypto- + collectible → cryptocollectible