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CRYPTO-
Combining form. Before a vowel or h also crypt-.
[Greek kruptos hidden.]
Forming words, mostly scientific terms, modelled on Greek compounds,
with the sense 'concealed, secret, not visible to the naked eye',
as cryptogram, cyptobranchiate.
Hence as a freely productive element forming nouns and adjective
with the sense 'unavowed(ly), not overt(ly)',
as crypto-Communist, crypto-Fascist, crypto-Semite.
As a child that was always reading books on codes, ciphers, secret societies and espionage, it's hardly surprising that the plethora of crypto- words would make it into Lexicolatry. In fact, of all the prefixes and combining forms I've covered thus far, I can emphatically state that crypto- yielded the most interesting and alluringly mysterious words by far! I could quite happily write a seperate post on each of the subjects below. However, in the interests of self-control (and the possibility of finishing this project before I'm 50), I'm going to show admirable restraint. Thus, I present to you a collection of some of the most interesting crypt- and crypto- words. Enjoy!
Cryptanalysis
Noun. Originally U.S. E20
The practice or art of solving cryptograms by analysis; code-breaking.
Cryptobiotic
Adj. E20
(a) obs. Designating primitive organisms presumed to have existed in earlier geological periods but to have left no trace of their existence;
(b) Crytozoic;
(c) Pertaining to or in a state of cryptobiosis.
Cryptogenic
Adj. E20
(Of a disease) of obscure or uncertain origin.
Cryptogram
Noun. L19
Something written in cipher; a coded message.
Cryptograph
Noun. M19
1 A cryptogram. M19
2 A device for encoding or decoding messages. M19
Cryptolect
Noun. L20
A secret or coded language.
Cryptology
Noun. M17
1 Secret speech or communication; mysterious or enigmatic language. M17
2 The practice or art of encoding and decoding messages; the knowledge of codes. M20
Cryptonym
Noun. L19
A secret name, a code-name.
Cryptonymous
Adj. L19
Whose name is secret, of the nature of a cryptonym.
Cryptozoology
Noun. M20
The search for and study of creatures (e.g. the Loch Ness monster)
whose supposed existence is evidenced by tradition, unsubstantiated reports, etc.
Do you have any favourite secret words?
Are there any crypto- words that aren't but should be?
Do please hide your most cryptic comments in the box below.
Blimey, there's nothing Cryptic on Kryptonite ;)
ReplyDelete(must wait 'til K to find out the cryptic meaning of the name)
I've just checked, and 'kryptonite' is in the OED! So yes ... wait until K and it'll get done : o )
DeleteCryptocephalus hypochaeridis. Only a coleopterist could deciper that.
ReplyDeleteHidden head, under ... hmm ... I can't get the second part. Time for Google ...
DeleteHmm. I can't (immediately) find out why it's called that. And that's what Google is all about, right? Immediately! Grr.
DeleteBasically it is a leaf beetle that can retract its head and likes to live in yellow flowers and leaves of the genus hypochaeris. Like a beetle, sometimes it has to be teased out slowly from the undergoogle.
DeleteCryptosporidium is one that was (un)popular in Ireland a few years ago when it got into the tap water.
ReplyDeleteThere's a tap joke in there somewhere, but I wouldn't wanna faucet.
DeleteGreat Article
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