Definition

Relating to something that has an unclear or unknown origin, often used to describe diseases.

Example

The doctors were puzzled by the cryptogenic condition that had no clear cause.

Conversation

Have you heard about that new disease they're talking about?

Yeah, it's really concerning how cryptogenic it is.

I know, right? It's scary that they don't even know where it came from.

Exactly, it makes it hard to figure out how to deal with it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cryptogenic → It is formed from "crypto-" (from Greek "kryptos", meaning hidden or secret) and "genic" (from Greek "genes", meaning born of or produced by). The word "cryptogenic" refers to something that is produced by hidden or unknown causes.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'hidden' ('crypto-') and 'produced' ('genic') — that's why cryptogenic refers to something with unknown origins.

Visually Confused Words