Dictionary
Thesaurus
Sentence Examples

Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » cryptic

cryptic

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of cryptic is defined as something with unclear or hidden meaning, or a secret.

(adjective)

A coded message is an example of something cryptic.
A letter written in invisible ink is an example of something cryptic.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See cryptic in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

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

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

Related Forms:

cryptically adverb

See cryptic in American Heritage Dictionary 4

cryp·tic

adjective

Having hidden meaning; mystifying. See Synonyms at ambiguous.
Secret or occult.
Using code or cipher.
Biology Tending to conceal or camouflage: cryptic coloring.

Origin: Late Latin crypticus, from Greek kruptikos, from kruptos, hidden, from kruptein, to hide.

Related Forms:

cryptically crypˈti·cal·ly adverb

crypˈtic·ness noun

Learn more about cryptic

cryptic synonyms

cryptic medical definition

cryptic in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD

interior monologue

» more results...

About YourDictionary Advertisers Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Help
© 1996-2013 LoveToKnow, Corp. All Rights Reserved. Audio pronunciation provided by LoveToKnow, Corp.