Definitions
of terms used on this website
Crypto = A prefix from the Greek kruptos meaning hidden or secret.
Cryptid = A term which is used by cryptozoologists to refer to a creature or animal whose existence has been suggested but lacks scientific support. Such as Bigfoot, The Loch Ness Monster, and the Chupacabra.
Cryptozoology = (from Greek kruptos, "hidden" + zoology; literally, "study of hidden animals") is a pseudoscience focused on the search for animals which are considered to be fictional or otherwise nonexistent by mainstream biology. It consists of two primary fields of research: The search for living examples of animals taxonomically identified through fossil records which are considered to be extinct. The search for animals whose existence lacks empirical support, but which appear in myths, legends, or undocumented sightings. A subset of the first field is the search for "out of place animals," such as phantom cats. Those involved in cryptozoological study are known as cryptozoologists. The animals they study are often referred to as cryptids, a term coined by John Wall in 1983. Because cryptozoologists do not typically follow the "scientific method" and devote a substantial portion of their efforts to investigations of animals that most scientists believe are unlikely to exist, cryptozoology has received little attention from the scientific community. In 2004, however, paleoanthropologist Henry Gee, a senior editor of the leading journal "Nature" argued that cryptozoology was of legitimate scientific value and could "come in from the cold."
Para = A prefix of Greek origin meaning akin to, beside, aside from, against, abnormal, faulty, or beyond. Parallel but not the same. Related to the Latin parere meaning to give birth to. Also related to the Italian parare meaning to ward off.
Paranormal = To be supernatural in character : Aside from the natural. Beyond normal : not scientifically explainable : supernatural
Supernatural = 1: of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe ; especially : of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil 2a: departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature 2b: attributed to an invisible agent (as a ghost or spirit)