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encryption

[ en-krip-shuhn ]

noun

  1. the act or practice of converting messages into cipher or code:

    During World War II, the encryption process involved code tables and a machine.

  2. Computers. the act or practice of changing digital data into a form that cannot be read without converting it back using a unique key:

    Though its data encryption is strong, the app has other security flaws exploited by hackers.

encryption

  1. 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 .)

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Word History and Origins

Origin of encryption1

First recorded in 1940–45; 1960–65 encryption fordef 2; encrypt ( def ) + -ion ( def )

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