cryptonym

[ krip-tuh-nim ]

noun

1. a secret name or word; a code name or code word.

Other Words From

• cryp·ton·y·mous [krip-, ton, -, uh, -m, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptonym¹

First recorded in 1860–65; crypt- ( def ) + -onym ( def ); probably modeled on French cryptonyme

Example Sentences

A 1967 Inspector General’s report on plots to assassinate Castro, released to the public in 1998, sketched out Mr. Cubela’s overtures to the CIA and then his deepening involvement in covert planning, given the cryptonym “Amlash.”

From Washington Post

The foundation’s cryptonym database compiles the true identities of code-named CIA assets.

From Salon

“WUSALINE could refer to Zapata,” Simpich, the cryptonym expert, commented.

From Salon

In a 1964 report, Devine is identified by the cryptonym WUBRINY/1.

From Salon

It seemed like a dumb cryptonym to me, but Ishmael was somehow amused.

From Nature