cryptography
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.
Computers.
the study or process of using algorithms to scramble or hide data, validate messages and digital signatures, etc., in order to secure digital information against unauthorized access or corruption: Cryptography has been rapidly evolving to introduce more hacker-proof algorithms.
an instance of this: The application’s cryptography provides a strong element of security, but is unlikely to be proof against all cyber threats.
anything written in a secret code, cipher, or the like.
Origin of cryptography
1Other 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for cryptography
cryptology (krɪpˈtɒlədʒɪ)
/ (krɪpˈtɒɡrəfɪ) /
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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for 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
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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