Encryption

encrypt (ɪnˈkrɪpt)
—vb
1.	to put (a message) into code
2.	to put (computer data) into a coded form
3.	to distort (a television or other signal) so that it cannot be understood without the appropriate decryption equipment
[C20: from en-1 + crypt, as in crypto-]
en'crypted
—adj
en'cryption
—n

encrypt

encrypt   (ěn-krĭpt)  Pronunciation Key  To alter information using a code or mathematical algorithm so as to be unintelligible to unauthorized readers.

encryption definition

The process of encoding a message so that it can be read only by the sender and the intended recipient. Encryption systems often use two keys, a public key, available to anyone, and a private key that allows only the recipient to decode the message. (See also cryptography.)

encryption definition

algorithm, cryptography
Any procedure used in cryptography to convert plaintext into ciphertext (encrypted message) in order to prevent any but the intended recipient from reading that data.
Schematically, there are two classes of encryption primitives: public-key cryptography and private-key cryptography; they are generally used complementarily. Public-key encryption algorithms include RSA; private-key algorithms include the obsolescent Data Encryption Standard, the Advanced Encryption Standard, as well as RC4.
The Unix command crypt performs a weak form of encryption. Stronger encryption programs include Pretty Good Privacy and the GNU Privacy Guard.
Other closely related aspects of cryptograph include message digests.
(2003-04-12)