: the ability of an organism to conceal itself especially from a predator by having a color, pattern, and shape that allows it to blend into the surrounding environment
Horned lizards have a delightful variety of defenses. Their primary defense is crypsis; their pattern of coloration varies geographically to match the substrate, and their spines obscure their body outlines, making them difficult to see. Jeff Mitton
… legions of tiny fish and shrimps have evolved to live with impunity among these coral tentacles, escaping predators' notice by resembling their hosts, a feat called crypsis. Les Kaufman

Examples of crypsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Analyses of fur color and background environments suggest that the giant panda’s white face, nape, dorsum, flank, belly, and rump are adapted for crypsis against a snowy background, whereas its black shoulders and legs are adapted for crypsis in shade. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2017 An ambusher's arsenal: chemical crypsis in the puff adder (Bitis arietans). Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 21 Dec. 2015

Word History

Etymology

cryp(tic) + -sis, or borrowed from Greek krýpsis "hiding, concealment," from kryp- (stem of krýptein "to hide, conceal") + -sis -sis — more at crypt

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crypsis was in 1956

Cite this Entry

“Crypsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crypsis. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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