cryptic

== English == === Alternative forms === cryptick (obsolete) === Etymology === From Late Latin crypticus, from Ancient Greek κρυπτικός (kruptikós), from κρυπτός (kruptós, “hidden”), from κρύπτω (krúptō, “to hide”). Doublet of kryptic. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈkɹɪptɪk/ Rhymes: -ɪptɪk === Adjective === cryptic (comparative more cryptic, superlative most cryptic) Having hidden (unapparent) meaning. Mystified or of an obscure nature; not easy to perceive. Involving use of a code or cipher. (crosswording) Of a crossword puzzle, or a clue in such a puzzle, using, in addition to definitions, wordplay such as anagrams, homophones and hidden words to indicate solutions. (zoology) Well camouflaged; having good camouflage. (zoology) Serving as camouflage. (biology, not comparable) Apparently identical, but actually genetically distinct. (zoology) Living in a cavity or small cave. Synonym: (less common) cryptozoic ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Noun === cryptic (plural cryptics) (informal) A cryptic crossword puzzle. ==== Derived terms ==== advanced cryptic cryptically cryptogram === References ===