covert
UK: ˈkʌvət | US: ˈkoʊvɜːrt
adj. hidden, concealed, or disguised
n. a covering or shelter, especially for animals
n. (military) a protective screen or disguise
The word "covert" originates from Old French covrir (to cover) and Latin cooperire (to cover completely). The morpheme "co-" (together) combines with "vert" (from Latin vertere, meaning "to turn"), suggesting something "turned over" or hidden from view. Over time, it evolved to describe secrecy or concealment, particularly in military and natural contexts (e.g., covert operations, covert for wildlife shelter).
The spy carried out covert operations under a false identity.
Birds nested in the dense covert of the bushes.
His covert glances revealed his true feelings.
The military used covert tactics to avoid detection.
The document contained covert messages invisible to the naked eye.