Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure. The cryptic message left everyone puzzled and searching for answers.
Serving to camouflage or conceal. The cryptic coloration of the animal made it difficult to spot in the dense forest.
(Biology) Referring to a species or taxon that is genetically distinct while being morphologically indistinguishable from another. Genetic analysis revealed the lizard population to be a cryptic species separate from its visually identical cousin.