cryptogenic

adjective

cryp·​to·​gen·​ic ˌkrip-tə-ˈje-nik How to pronounce cryptogenic (audio)
: of obscure or unknown origin
a cryptogenic disease

Examples of cryptogenic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Hill died Thursday of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, a rare lung condition, at his home in Omaha, Nebraska, a family spokesperson announced. Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Jan. 2023 The usual treatment for any cryptogenic TIA or stroke is cholesterol and blood pressure reduction, if indicated, plus an anti-platelet agent, like aspirin. Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 1 Oct. 2015

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cryptogenic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

crypto- + -genic

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cryptogenic was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near cryptogenic

Cite this Entry

“Cryptogenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptogenic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

cryptogenic

adjective
cryp·​to·​gen·​ic ˌkrip-tə-ˈjen-ik How to pronounce cryptogenic (audio)
: of obscure or unknown origin
cryptogenic epilepsy
compare phanerogenic
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!