/ ˈkrɪptɪk; NAmE / adjective
with a meaning that is hidden or not easily understood
SYN mysterious :
a cryptic message / remark / smile
a cryptic crossword clue
► cryp·tic·al·ly / -kli; NAmE / adverb :
'Yes and no,' she replied cryptically.
••
WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from late Latin crypticus , from Greek kruptikos , from kruptos hidden.