cryptograph

[ krip-tuh-graf, -grahf ]

/ ˈkrɪp təˌgræf, -ˌgrɑf /

a system of secret writing; cipher.

a device for translating clear text into cipher.

Origin of cryptograph

First recorded in 1635–45; crypto- + -graph

Natural history is not a cryptograph to be deciphered, it is a series of facts and incidents to be observed and recorded.

Ways of Nature |John Burroughs
In the present instance we see it doubled no less than five times, although the cryptograph is brief.

The Short-story |William Patterson Atkinson
It is a cryptograph, but a simple one, familiar to school children.

Nooks and Corners of Old New York |Charles Hemstreet
But be assured that the specimen before us appertains to the very simplest species of cryptograph.

The Short-story |William Patterson Atkinson

The cryptograph used throughout the war was perfected by him, and baffled all attempts of the enemy to translate it.

Cleveland Past and Present |Maurice Joblin

cryptograph

/ (ˈkrɪptəʊˌɡræf, -ˌɡrɑːf) /

something written in code or cipher

a code using secret symbols (cryptograms)

a device for translating text into cipher, or vice versa