cryptanalysis

[krip-tuh-nal-uh-sis] /ˌkrɪp təˈnæl ə sɪs/
noun
1.
the procedures, processes, methods, etc., used to translate or interpret secret writings, as codes and ciphers, for which the key is unknown.
2.
the science or study of such procedures.
Compare cryptography (def 1).
Origin
1920-25, Americanism; crypt(ogram) + analysis
Related forms
cryptanalytic
[krip-tan-l-it-ik] /ˌkrɪp tæn lˈɪt ɪk/ (Show IPA), adjective
cryptanalytically, adverb
cryptanalyst
[krip-tan-l-ist] /krɪpˈtæn l ɪst/ (Show IPA), noun
British Dictionary definitions for cryptanalysis

cryptanalysis

/ˌkrɪptəˈnælɪsɪs/
noun
1.
the study of codes and ciphers; cryptography
Derived Forms
cryptanalytic (ˌkrɪptænəˈlɪtɪk) adjective
cryptanalyst, noun
Word Origin
C20: from cryptograph + analysis
cryptanalysis in Technology


The branch of cryptography concerned with decoding encrypted messages when you're not supposed to be able to.
(1994-12-06)