Definition of Cryptic

1. Adjective. Of an obscure nature. "Rituals totally mystifying to visitors from other lands"


2. Adjective. Having a secret or hidden meaning. "Thoroughly sibylline in most of his pronouncements"
Exact synonyms: Cabalistic, Cryptical, Kabbalistic, Qabalistic, Sibylline
Similar to: Esoteric
Derivative terms: Cabala, Kabbala, Qabala

3. Adjective. Having a puzzling terseness. "A cryptic note"
Similar to: Concise

Definition of Cryptic

1. a. Hidden; secret; occult.

Definition of Cryptic

1. Adjective. Having hidden meaning. ¹

2. Adjective. Mystified or of an obscure nature. ¹

3. Adjective. Involving use of code or cipher/cypher. ¹

4. Adjective. (zoology) Well camouflaged; having good camouflage. ¹

5. Noun. (informal) A cryptic crossword. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Cryptic

1. mysterious [adj] - See also: mysterious

Medical Definition of Cryptic

1. Hidden; occult; larvate. Origin: G. Kryptikos (05 Mar 2000)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Cryptic

cryptanalysis
cryptanalyst
cryptanalysts
cryptanalytic
cryptanalytical
cryptanalytics
cryptand
cryptands
cryptarithm
cryptarithmic
cryptarithms
cryptate
cryptates
cryptectomy
cryptenamine acetates
cryptic (current term)
cryptic coloration
cryptic crossword
cryptic crosswords
cryptic plasmid
cryptical
cryptically
crypticity
cryptick
cryptics
cryptid
cryptidine
cryptids
cryptitis
cryptlike

Literary usage of Cryptic

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. History of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons by Henry Leonard Stillson (1890)
"In the preparation of this sketch of cryptic Masonry, I desire to express my indebtedness to the labors of the distinguished Companions of the Rite, ..."

2. Christianity and Mythology by John Mackinnon Robertson (1900)
"But the cryptic parables in themselves, apart from glosses, represent no real teaching. They are obscure, and possess no moral value whatever. ..."

3. Journal by Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (1899)
"Л/ THE cryptic ELEMENT ALLEGED TO EXIST IN OGHAM INSCRIPTIONS. Br KA STEWART MACALISTER, MA [Submitted MAUCH 28, 1899. ..."

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