Ciphertext — Definition & Meaning

What does ciphertext mean?

noun

Text that has been encrypted, making it unreadable without a decryption key or password. Ciphertext is the output of a cryptographic algorithm, which scrambles the original plaintext to protect its confidentiality.

Example

"The encrypted message was a block of ciphertext that only the intended recipient could decipher."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymologically related

cipher encrypt decipher plaintext

Synonyms for ciphertext

encrypted text scrambled text encoded text obfuscated text encrypted message cipher

Antonyms of ciphertext

plaintext

Rhymes with ciphertext

text extent context inspect