ScienceAugust 10, 2026
elliptic
ih-LIP-tik
Definition
Relating to or involving elliptic curves, a mathematical framework used in public-key cryptography to secure digital assets.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word 'elleipsis,' meaning 'a falling short' or 'omission,' which later became associated with the geometric shape of an ellipse because its perimeter is less than that of a circle with the same diameter.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the cryptographic curves that underpin modern digital security. It highlights how these systems could be vulnerable if a sufficiently powerful quantum computer were developed.
Quantum Q-Day Threat: Exchange Hot Wallets and Tether Issuance Keys at Greater Risk Than Satoshi's Bitcoin
Read the full article ↗finance.biggo.com