cryptanalysis

[ krip-tuh-nal-uh-sis ]
/ ˌkrɪp təˈnæl ə sɪs /

noun

the procedures, processes, methods, etc., used to translate or interpret secret writings, as codes and ciphers, for which the key is unknown.
the science or study of such procedures. Compare cryptography(def 1).

Origin of cryptanalysis

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; crypt(ogram) + analysis

OTHER WORDS FROM cryptanalysis

crypt·an·a·lyt·ic [krip-tan-l-it-ik] /ˌkrɪp tæn lˈɪt ɪk/, adjective crypt·an·a·lyt·i·cal·ly, adverb crypt·an·a·lyst [krip-tan-l-ist] /krɪpˈtæn l ɪst/, noun

British Dictionary definitions for cryptanalysis

cryptanalysis
/ (ˌkrɪptəˈnælɪsɪs) /

noun

the study of codes and ciphers; cryptography

Derived forms of cryptanalysis

cryptanalytic (ˌkrɪptænəˈlɪtɪk), adjective cryptanalyst, noun

Word Origin for cryptanalysis

C20: from cryptograph + analysis