Cryptocurrency Glossary

A comprehensive glossary of commonly used terms in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space.

Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Examples include Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano.

A distributed digital ledger that records transactions across many computers so that the record cannot be altered retroactively.

The estimated number of coins or tokens currently available to the public and actively circulating in the market.

Decentralized Finance — financial services built on blockchain technology that operate without traditional intermediaries like banks.

Decentralized Exchange — a cryptocurrency exchange that operates without a central authority, allowing peer-to-peer trading.

A unit of measurement for the computational effort required to execute transactions or smart contracts on a blockchain network.

A term derived from a misspelling of 'hold', used to describe the strategy of holding cryptocurrency long-term rather than selling.

Initial Coin Offering — a fundraising method where new cryptocurrency projects sell tokens to early investors.

A secondary protocol built on top of an existing blockchain to improve scalability and transaction speed.

The ease with which a cryptocurrency can be bought or sold without significantly affecting its price.

Market Capitalization — calculated by multiplying the current price of a cryptocurrency by its circulating supply.

The theoretical maximum number of coins or tokens that will ever exist for a particular cryptocurrency.

Non-Fungible Token — a unique digital asset that represents ownership of a specific item like art, music, or collectibles.

The process of locking up cryptocurrency to support blockchain network operations and earn rewards.

A digital asset created on an existing blockchain rather than having its own independent blockchain.

The total number of coins or tokens currently in existence, including those not yet released to the public.

Total Value Locked — the total value of cryptocurrency assets deposited in a DeFi protocol.

The total amount of a cryptocurrency traded within a specific time period, typically 24 hours.

A digital tool that stores your cryptocurrency private keys and allows you to send and receive digital assets.

An individual or entity that holds a large amount of cryptocurrency, potentially able to influence market prices.