Cryptid
/ˈkrɪp.tɪd/noun
An animal or creature whose existence is claimed but not scientifically proven.
Did you know?Cryptid is a modern coinage from cryptozoology, built on Greek krypto- meaning “hidden,” the same root behind crypt, cryptic, and apocalypse’s original sense of “uncovering.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱrewb-
“to hide, cover”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kryptós (κρυπτός)
“hidden, concealed”
Late Greek
Greek
kryptē
“a hidden place; a vault or cellar”
19th Century
English
cryptozoology
“the study of hidden or unverified animals”
20th Century
English
cryptid
“a purported animal whose existence is not yet scientifically confirmed”
Explore more surprising origins