Glossary of Cryptocurrency terms
A
Altcoin
Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Examples include Ethereum, Litecoin, and Solana.
Airdrop
A free distribution of cryptocurrency tokens to holders, often used for marketing or rewarding loyal users.
B
Blockchain
A decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across many computers in a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof way.
Bitcoin (BTC)
The first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the name Satoshi Nakamoto.
C
D
DeFi (Decentralized Finance)
A financial ecosystem built on blockchain technology offering services like lending, borrowing, and trading without traditional intermediaries.
DEX (Decentralized Exchange)
A cryptocurrency exchange that operates without a central authority, allowing peer-to-peer trading of digital assets.
E
F
Fiat Currency
Government-issued currency like USD, EUR, or GBP that is not backed by a physical commodity but rather the government’s credit.
G
Gas Fee
A fee users pay to conduct transactions or execute smart contracts on blockchains like Ethereum.
H
HODL
Originally a typo for “hold,” now meaning to keep cryptocurrencies long-term regardless of market volatility.
I
J
K
KYC (Know Your Customer)
A verification process where users provide identity documents to comply with regulations and prevent fraud.
L
M
Mining
The process of validating transactions and adding them to the blockchain, often rewarded with new cryptocurrency tokens.
N
NFT (Non-Fungible Token)
A unique digital asset that represents ownership of a specific item or piece of content, such as art or collectibles, stored on a blockchain.
O
P
Private Key
A secret code that allows access and control of a cryptocurrency wallet; should be kept secure and private.
Public Key
A cryptographic code used to receive cryptocurrency; works like an address for your crypto wallet.
Q
R
S
Smart Contract
Self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code, running on blockchain networks.
Staking
Locking up cryptocurrency in a blockchain network to support operations like transaction validation, earning rewards in return.
T
Token
A digital asset built on an existing blockchain that can represent value, access rights, or other utilities.
U
V
W
Wallet
A digital tool (software or hardware) that stores private and public keys, enabling users to send, receive, and manage cryptocurrencies.
Whale
A term for individuals or entities that hold large amounts of cryptocurrency and can influence market prices.
Whitepaper
A document issued by a cryptocurrency project explaining its technology, purpose, and roadmap.
X
Y
Z
