English · Science & Technology
cryptocurrency
/ˈkrɪp.təʊˌkʌr.ən.si/
[/ˈkrɪp.təʊˌkʌr.ən.si/]
digital money
Advancednoun
Definition
A digital form of money that uses encryption and usually operates without a central bank.
Example
He bought a small amount of cryptocurrency, knowing its value could rise or fall very quickly.
He bought a small amount of cryptocurrency, knowing its value could rise or fall very quickly.
Etymology
Combining 'crypto' (Greek 'kryptos', hidden) and 'currency', dating from the rise of Bitcoin.
How & Where It’s Used
Includes Bitcoin and many other digital coins.