cryptography

[ krip-tog-ruh-fee ]
/ krɪpˈtɒg rə fi /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR cryptography ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the science or study of the techniques of secret writing, especially code and cipher systems, methods, and the like. Compare cryptanalysis(def 2).
the procedures, processes, methods, etc., of making and using secret writing, as codes or ciphers.
anything written in a secret code, cipher, or the like.

Origin of cryptography

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

OTHER WORDS FROM cryptography

cryp·tog·ra·pher, cryp·tog·ra·phist, noun cryp·to·graph·ic [krip-tuh-graf-ik] /ˌkrɪp təˈgræf ɪk/, cryp·to·graph·i·cal, cryp·tog·ra·phal, adjective cryp·to·graph·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby cryptography

cryptogam, cryptogenic, cryptogenic septicemia, cryptogram, cryptograph, cryptography, cryptolith, cryptology, cryptomenorrhea, cryptomeria, cryptomerorrhachischis

Words related to cryptography

cryptanalysis

Example sentences from the Web for cryptography

British Dictionary definitions for cryptography

cryptography

cryptology (krɪpˈtɒlədʒɪ)

/ (krɪpˈtɒɡrəfɪ) /

noun

the science or study of analysing and deciphering codes, ciphers, etc; cryptanalysis

Derived forms of cryptography

cryptographer, cryptographist or cryptologist, noun cryptographic (ˌkrɪptəˈɡræfɪk) or cryptographical, adjective cryptographically, adverb

Cultural definitions for cryptography

cryptography

The science of coding and decoding messages so as to keep these messages secure. Coding (see encryption) takes place using a key that ideally is known only by the sender and intended recipient of the message.

notes for cryptography

Historically used in warfare, cryptography is now used routinely in computer networks. This often pits the desire of individuals and businesses to keep Internet information private against the need of government to investigate crime and terrorism.