An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

To convert (information or data) into a system of symbols, especially to prevent unauthorized access. See also → decrypt and → encode.

From en- "in; into" + L. crypt, from Gk. kryptos "hidden, concealed, secret" + → -tion.

Darnahândan, from dar-, → in- + nahândan "to hide, conceal," from nahân "concealed, hid; clandestine;" Mid.Pers. nihân "secrecy, a secret place, a hiding place," nihânik "concealed;" Av. niδāti- "deposing, deposit."

A process that transforms data into another format in such a way that only specific individual(s) can reverse the transformation. Encryption is for maintaining data confidentiality. See also → decryption and → encoding.

→ encrypt; → -tion.