cryptogram

/'kriptougræm/

Thân thiện

A student solves a cryptogram puzzle on a piece of paper.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A piece of writing in code or cipher: A cryptogram is a text or message that has been written using a secret code or cipher to conceal its original meaning. The goal is often to solve or decipher it to reveal the hidden message.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The spy left a cryptogram hidden inside the book. (The spy left a message written in code hidden inside the book.)
  • Solving the daily cryptogram in the newspaper is my favorite puzzle. (Solving the daily coded message in the newspaper is my favorite puzzle.)
  • The ancient manuscript was not in a known language but was a complex cryptogram. (The ancient manuscript was not in a known language but was a complex piece of writing in cipher.)

Advanced Usage

• "To decipher/decode a cryptogram": This is the most common action associated with a cryptogram. It means to solve the code to find the original message.
  • It took the codebreaker three days to decipher the cryptogram.
• Used in contexts of espionage, puzzle games, historical documents, and data security.

Variants and Related Words

• Cryptography (n): The art or science of writing or solving codes and ciphers.
  • Modern cryptography is essential for computer security.
• Encrypt (v): To convert information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access.
  • You should encrypt sensitive files before sending them.
• Decrypt (v): To convert coded data back into its original form.
  • The software can decrypt the message if you have the key.

Synonyms

• Coded message: A message written in code.
• Ciphertext: The encrypted form of a message (a more technical term).
• Secret writing: Writing intended to be kept secret or understood only by certain people.

Related Phrases

• Cryptic puzzle: A puzzle that is mysterious or difficult to understand, often involving wordplay or codes.
  • The treasure map came with a cryptic puzzle to solve first.
• Break a code: To succeed in deciphering a cryptogram or cipher system.
  • The team worked tirelessly to break the enemy's code.

Related Idioms

Note: There are no common idioms that use the exact word "cryptogram." Idioms tend to use more general terms like "code" or "cipher." - Read between the lines: To look for or understand a hidden or implied meaning, which is conceptually similar to deciphering a message but not literal. - His letter seemed cheerful, but if you read between the lines, he was asking for help.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a piece of writing in code or cipher

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cryptograph
• secret writing