Science word of the day: Cryptology

Science word of the day: Cryptology

Pronunciation: Krip-TAH’-leh-jee

What it means: Cryptology is the study of secret codes ‪—‬ both making them (cryptography) and breaking them (cryptanalysis). Once associated with spy networks’ secret codes and ciphers, cryptology now often refers to the computer algorithms used to encrypt data to protect passwords and personal information from prying eyes.

How to use it in a sentence: Native American soldiers known as “code talkers” harnessed cryptology in World War II by developing codes and ciphers based on their Indigenous languages.

Can you crack our science word of the day puzzle, Chain Word?