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cryptic Definition

cryp·tic (kriptik)

adjective

    1. having a hidden or ambiguous meaning; mysterious; baffling a cryptic comment
    2. obscure and curt in expression
  1. Zool. serving to conceal, as the form or coloring of certain animals

Etymology: LL crypticus < Gr kryptikos < kryptos: see crypt

cryptic Related Forms
cryp·ti·cally adverb
cryptic Synonyms

cryptic

modif.

enigmatic, mysterious, mystic, hidden; see mysterious 2, obscure 1, 3, secret 1. See syn. study at obscure.

cryptic Usage Examples

Infinitive complement

  • use: Most available network traffic sniffers are either too expensive or too cryptic to use.

Modifies a noun

  • crossword: It will be like the clue in a cryptic crossword.
  • intron: The cryptic intron contains sequences similar to those required for recognition of normal plant introns.
  • clue: The screen shot above shows a cryptic clue being edited in Sympathy ' s Puzzle View.
  • remark: I do not apologize for this rather cryptic remark.
  • lyric: Cryptic lyrics like " As he lays asleep she takes him in her arms.
  • message: For five minutes a cryptic message has appeared on the trading board of the New York Stock Exchange.

Modifying Another Word

  • somewhat: The newuser letter contains a somewhat cryptic string printed at the bottom of the page.
  • rather: I see that you have been taken in by the rather cryptic " other " link - you must be of the curious kind.
  • extremely: Levels above 3 are designed for use only by developers and generate HUGE amounts of data, most of which is extremely cryptic.
  • too: Your next short letter was too cryptic for me.
  • so: I shall be careful in future not to make my remarks so cryptic.
  • often: Back buttons are disabled, JavaScript is demanded and the log-in routine is often cryptic at best.

Used with adjective complement

  • see: If you use cryptic, abbreviated names then you will receive cryptic email messages and your users will see cryptic, abbreviated error messages.
  • remain: Barring some freak discovery, the story will remain as cryptic as it is touching.
  • seem: They do offer a " guide " to installing SuSe from the net, but it lacks detail and seems intentionally cryptic to me.