cryptocurrency

noun

cryptocurrency

noun

US /ˈkɹɪp.toʊˌkɝ.ən.si/

Etymology From crypto- (“cryptographic”) + currency.

1

A digital currency based on a cryptographic system, usually having no central issuing or regulating authority.

  • Bitcoin was the first decentralized cryptocurrency.
  • As secure Internet payment systems develop, of course, betting will become easier. And if some form of digital cash—crypto-currency that can be exchanged like cash via the Internet—really does take hold, betting will be even easier still.1995 July 26, Daniel Akst, “Info Highway May Convert Your PC Into a Gambling Mecca”, in Los Angeles Times, archived from the original on 14 Feb 2023:
4 more examples
  • Then there is bitcoin, the cryptocurrency that has been skyrocketing in value lately. Bitcoin is basically virtual cash — anonymous, untraceable currency stuffed into a mobile wallet.2013 November 17, Nick Bilton, “Disruptions: A Digital Underworld Cloaked in Anonymity”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 22 Aug 2022:
  • As alleged in the Indictment filed on January 9, 2023, EISENBERG engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain approximately $110 million worth of cryptocurrency from the cryptocurrency exchange Mango Markets and its customers and achieved this objective by artificially manipulating the price of certain perpetual futures contracts.2023 February 2, U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York, “Alleged Perpetrator Of $100 Million Crypto Market Manipulation Scheme To Make Initial Appearance In The Southern District Of New York”, in justice.gov, sourced from justice.gov, archived from the original on 03 Feb 2023:
  • The US chip-maker Nvidia has said cryptocurrencies do not “bring anything useful for society” despite the company’s powerful processors selling in huge quantities to the sector.2023 March 26, Alex Hern, quoting Michael Kagan, “Cryptocurrencies add nothing useful to society, says chip-maker Nvidia”, in The Guardian, →ISSN, archived from the original on 31 Mar 2023:
  • According to Recorded Future’s research, the regime considers cryptocurrency theft a significant revenue source, primarily funding military and weapons programs.2023 November 30, Alessandro Mascellino, “North Korean Hackers Amass $3bn in Cryptocurrency Heists”, in Infosecurity Magazine, archived from the original on 30 Nov 2023:
Derived terms
crypterati, cryptocurrency wallet
Related terms
big crypto, cryptobro, crypto business, crypto wallet, cybercrime, cybermoney, e-cash, money laundering, ransomware

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.