ciphertext

1 7.9

Data changed by a code so it cannot be read without a secret key

noun
/ˈsaɪfərˌtɛkst/

Specialized

: texto cifrado

Once ciphertext is communicated, it cannot be recalled for re-encryption.
decrypt the ciphertext

So if I multiply ciphertexts, I'm also multiplying the plaintexts.

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Examples

The hackers stole sensitive data and left it encrypted as ciphertext to evade detection.
Only the receiving node can decrypt the ciphertext by using the proper key and algorithm.

Academic text (1990)
Only the private key can decrypt the ciphertext encrypted by the corresponding public key.

Academic text (1990)
The DES algorithm ciphers a 64-bit block of plaintext into a 64-bit block of ciphertext under the control of a 56-bit cryptographic key.

Academic text (1999)
To read the message, you need to decrypt the ciphertext using the correct key.
She explained how the ciphertext could only be understood with a specific decryption algorithm.

Synonyms

cipher

vsciphertext

Specialized

2 8.9

A message written in a secret code

is technical data transformed by an encryption process requiring a decryption key to read

Antonyms

plaintext

Specialized

1 3.6

Readable text that is not encrypted

How Readable

plaintext

Specialized

3.9

data encryption

Specialized

1 4.3

ciphertext

Specialized

1 7.9

Surface Forms

ciphertext singular

ciphertexts plural

Morphology

ciphertext = cipher + text (transparent) = cipher + text

A straightforward technical compound: 'cipher' + 'text' denotes text that has been encoded with a cipher (i.e., encrypted).

Etymology

Ciphertext comes from two parts, cipher and text. Cipher comes from an old Arabic word sifr meaning 'zero' and later meant 'code', and text means 'written words', so ciphertext is written words changed into a secret code that you cannot read without the key.