encryption

noun

en·​cryp·​tion in-ˈkrip-shən How to pronounce encryption (audio)
en-
plural encryptions
1
: the act or process of encrypting something : a conversion of something (such as data) into a code or cipher
The regulations … make it harder to provide automatic encryption of information as it passes through the dozens of links in a typical Internet connection …Paul Wallich
… a hacker slips into a system, then puts encryption controls in place that locks users out.Elizabeth Millard
2
: a code or cipher produced by encrypting something
Artificial intelligence can decode encryptions that previously could not be cracked.Ana Swanson

Examples of encryption in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This level requires advanced defenses like continuous monitoring, active threat detection, and data encryption, ensuring that only the most secure organizations are entrusted with the nation’s most sensitive data. Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Using encryption and digital signing for data, cryptographic modules that meet the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) and creating encrypted USB flash drives programmed for that specific election all prevent tampering by unauthorized agents, according to ES&S. Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2024 Modern encryption techniques are based on equations with two solutions, each of which produces a prime number – one that can be used to encrypt data and the other to decrypt it. David Szondy, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024 Now the company is expanding end-to-end encryption to include phone backups and adding other new features aimed at preserving privacy and security while using iMessage and for data stored in iCloud. Jay Peters, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for encryption 

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encryption was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near encryption

Cite this Entry

“Encryption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encryption. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

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