Source : WordNet®

encryption
     n : the activity of converting from plain text into code [syn: {encoding}]

Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

encryption
     
         Any procedure used in {cryptography}
        to convert {plaintext} into {ciphertext} (encrypted message)
        in order to prevent any but the intended recipient from
        reading that data.
     
        Schematically, there are two classes of encryption primitives:
        {public-key cryptography} and {private-key cryptography}; they
        are generally used complementarily.
        Public-key encryption algorithms include {RSA};
        private-key algorithms include the obsolescent {Data Encryption
        Standard}, the {Advanced Encryption Standard}, as well as
        {RC4}.
     
        The {Unix} command {crypt} performs a weak form of encryption.
        Stronger encryption programs include {Pretty Good Privacy} and
        the {GNU Privacy Guard}.
     
        Other closely related aspects of {cryptograph} include
        {message digests}.
     
        (2003-04-12)