noun
In cryptography, the key that is shared openly and used to encrypt data or verify signatures.
公開鍵でデータを暗号化する。
Encrypt data with the public key.
公開鍵と秘密鍵
Generate a public-private key pair.
暗号鍵 is a general term for cryptographic key; 公開鍵 specifically refers to the public half of an asymmetric key pair.
Compound of 公開 (public, open) and 鍵 (key). A calque of English 'public key'.