Cryptocurrency combines Greek kryptos (hidden) with Latin-derived currency (running money) — literally 'hidden-running-money,' describing digital currency secured by cryptographic secrecy.
A digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates on a decentralized network.
A compound of 'crypto-' (from Greek kryptos, meaning 'hidden, secret') and 'currency' (from Latin currere, 'to run,' via Medieval Latin currentia, meaning 'a flowing, running,' applied to money that 'runs' or circulates). The word marries ancient Greek secrecy with Latin circulation. Key roots: kryptos (Greek: "hidden, secret"), currere (
The Greek root kryptos (hidden) also gives us crypt (underground vault), cryptic (mysterious), and krypton (the hidden element, named because it was hard to detect — also Superman's home planet). Currency comes from Latin 'to run,' making cryptocurrency literally 'hidden running money.'