ciphertext
nounUK /ˈsaɪfətɛkst/
US /ˈsaɪfərˌtɛkst/
Ciphertext is secret writing that looks like a jumble of letters and numbers.
The spy sent the message as ciphertext so no one could read it.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Data that has been transformed by an encryption algorithm so it cannot be understood without the key.
The server stores only ciphertext, so a stolen database reveals nothing readable.
3. The output of a cipher, as opposed to the readable input called plaintext.
Decrypting the ciphertext with the correct key produced the original letter.
4. Any scrambled text used to hide a message's meaning from unauthorized readers.
The puzzle's answer was hidden in a block of ciphertext at the bottom of the page.