Crypto Glossary
Essential terms for understanding cryptocurrency fundamentals.
This glossary prioritizes 32 core technical terms you actually need to understand cryptocurrency. Community slang and trading jargon are listed separately at the bottom — they're not essential for learning the fundamentals.
Core Technical Terms
Core Concepts
(9 terms)The first and largest cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by pseudonymous developer Satoshi Nakamoto.
A cryptocurrency with its own independent blockchain, like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Digital money that uses cryptography for security and operates on decentralized networks, typically blockchain technology.
A blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps), with its native currency Ether (ETH).
Government-issued currency like USD, EUR, or GBP that is not backed by a physical commodity.
The total value of a cryptocurrency, calculated by multiplying price by circulating supply.
A cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, usually pegged 1:1 to a fiat currency like the US dollar.
A cryptocurrency built on top of an existing blockchain (like Ethereum) rather than having its own blockchain.
The degree of price fluctuation over time. Crypto is known for high volatility.
Blockchain Technology
(9 terms)A distributed digital ledger that records transactions across many computers so that records cannot be altered retroactively.
The distribution of power away from a central authority across a network of participants.
The fee paid to process transactions on networks like Ethereum. Higher gas means faster processing.
A fixed-length string of characters generated from input data. Used to secure blockchain transactions.
The process of validating transactions and adding them to a blockchain, typically rewarded with new cryptocurrency.
A computer that maintains a copy of the blockchain and helps validate transactions.
A consensus mechanism where validators lock up coins as collateral to validate transactions. More energy efficient than Proof of Work.
A consensus mechanism where miners solve complex puzzles to validate transactions. Used by Bitcoin.
Self-executing code stored on a blockchain that automatically enforces the terms of an agreement.
Security & Safety
(9 terms)Two-Factor Authentication - an extra security layer requiring two forms of verification to access accounts.
A cryptocurrency wallet that is not connected to the internet, providing maximum security for long-term storage.
A cryptocurrency wallet connected to the internet, convenient for frequent transactions but less secure.
Fraudulent attempts to steal sensitive information by disguising as trustworthy sources.
A secret cryptographic code that proves ownership of cryptocurrency and authorizes transactions. Never share this.
A cryptographic code that serves as your address for receiving cryptocurrency. Safe to share with others.
A scam where developers abandon a project and run away with investor funds.
A series of 12-24 words that can restore access to a cryptocurrency wallet. Must be kept extremely secure and offline.
Software or hardware that stores the private keys needed to access and manage cryptocurrency holdings.
Platforms & Tools
(3 terms)A platform where people can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, either centralized (CEX) or decentralized (DEX).
Know Your Customer - identity verification required by regulated exchanges to comply with laws.
How easily an asset can be bought or sold without significantly affecting its price.
Advanced Concepts
(2 terms)Decentralized Finance - financial services built on blockchain that operate without traditional intermediaries like banks.
Non-Fungible Token - a unique digital asset representing ownership of items like art, music, or collectibles.
The terms below are common in crypto trading communities and social media. They're included for reference so you can recognize them, but they're not essential for understanding how cryptocurrency works. Focus on the core terms above first.
Community Slang
(10 terms)Crypto slang originating from a misspelled "hold" - refers to keeping cryptocurrency long-term regardless of price swings. Common in trading communities.
Fear Of Missing Out - the anxiety that others are profiting from an opportunity you might miss. Often leads to poor decisions.
Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt - negative information (sometimes misleading) spread to cause panic selling.
An individual or entity holding a very large amount of cryptocurrency, capable of moving markets with large trades.
Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Short for "alternative coin". A trading community term.
Free distribution of cryptocurrency tokens to wallet addresses, often for marketing or rewarding early users.
Do Your Own Research - a reminder that you are responsible for your own investment decisions.
Slang expressing hope that a cryptocurrency price will rise dramatically. Often used in hype-driven communities.
Slang for someone who holds their investment through extreme volatility without selling.
Slang for someone who sells their investment quickly when prices drop, often used pejoratively.
Throughout the learning library, hover over underlined terms to see their definitions in a tooltip. This helps you learn terminology in context without leaving the page.