cryptogenic
|cryp-to-gen-ic|
/ˌkrɪptəˈdʒɛnɪk/
hidden origin
Etymology
'cryptogenic' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'kryptos' and 'genesis', where 'kryptos' meant 'hidden' and 'genesis' meant 'birth' or 'origin'.
'cryptogenic' was formed in New/Medical Latin as 'cryptogenicus' and entered English usage (particularly in medicine and biology) in the late 19th century.
Initially it meant 'having a hidden origin' and over time it has retained this sense, now commonly used to indicate an unknown or unexplained cause (especially for diseases or lesions).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
of obscure or unknown origin; arising from a cause that is not identified (often used in medical contexts).
The patient was diagnosed with a cryptogenic stroke after all tests failed to reveal a cause.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/17 06:49