Added 9 October 2026

cryptic

/ˈkɹɪptɪk/ adjective

Latin root: crypticus Wiktionary

adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about cryptic at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Of an obscure nature.
the new insurance policy is written without cryptic or mysterious terms
Having a secret or hidden meaning.
cabalistic symbols engraved in stone
Having a puzzling terseness.
a cryptic note

Origin

From Late Latin crypticus, from Ancient Greek κρυπτικός (kruptikós), from κρυπτός (kruptós, “hidden”), from κρύπτω (krúptō, “to hide”). Doublet of kryptic.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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cryptic

adjective ! Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about cryptic at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Origin

adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about cryptic at Wordnik → Where our words come from →