1. text or data that has been encrypted or converted into a secret code using a cipher
Usage: technical; cryptography

Examples

• The spy transmitted the ciphertext over the radio to avoid interception.
• Without the correct key, the ciphertext is impossible to read.
• The encryption algorithm converts plaintext into ciphertext.
• Hackers attempted to break the ciphertext by trying thousands of possible keys.
• The message was sent as ciphertext to protect sensitive information.
• Decryption transforms ciphertext back into readable plaintext.