Free distribution of tokens to wallet addresses, often used for marketing or community building
Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin
Protocol that uses algorithmic trading to provide liquidity in decentralized exchanges
Yearly interest rate without compounding
Yearly return rate including compound interest
Profit from price differences of the same asset across different markets
Specialized hardware designed for cryptocurrency mining
Direct peer-to-peer exchange of cryptocurrencies without intermediaries
Attack where entity controls majority of network's mining power
Investor holding a declining asset hoping for recovery
Extended period of declining asset prices
The first and largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009. Bitcoin introduced the concept of digital scarcity through its fixed supply cap of 21 million coins and proof-of-work consensus mechanism. Often referred to as "digital gold," it serves as both a store of value and peer-to-peer electronic cash system
Pre-programmed event occurring approximately every four years (every 210,000 blocks) where mining rewards are cut in half, reducing the rate of new Bitcoin creation. This mechanism ensures Bitcoin's scarcity and has historically been associated with significant price appreciation due to reduced supply inflation
Collection of transactions recorded on a blockchain
Distributed ledger technology that maintains a continuously growing list of records (blocks) linked and secured using cryptography. Each block contains a timestamp and link to the previous block, creating an immutable chain. This decentralized system eliminates the need for trusted intermediaries by allowing network participants to verify transactions independently
Technology enabling transfer of tokens between different blockchains, solving the interoperability problem. Bridges lock tokens on one chain and mint equivalent tokens on another, allowing users to access different ecosystems. However, bridges have become frequent targets for hackers due to their complex smart contract architecture
Extended period of rising asset prices, typically characterized by investor optimism, increased buying activity, and positive market sentiment. In crypto, bull markets often see dramatic price increases of 10x or more, driven by adoption, speculation, and FOMO
Permanent removal of tokens from circulation by sending them to an unrecoverable address, effectively reducing total supply. This deflationary mechanism is often used to increase scarcity and potentially boost token value. Ethereum burns ETH through its EIP-1559 fee mechanism
Traditional exchange platform operated by a central authority
Offline storage of cryptocurrency, typically hardware wallets
Asset pledged as security for a loan
Method by which blockchain networks agree on transaction validity
Wallet where a third party controls the private keys
Technology enabling interaction between different blockchain networks
Organization governed by smart contracts and token holders rather than traditional management structures. DAOs enable collective decision-making through token-based voting, with proposals executed automatically via code. They represent a new form of digital governance, though many still face challenges around voter participation and legal recognition
Application running on a blockchain network rather than centralized servers, utilizing smart contracts for core functionality. dApps promise censorship resistance and user ownership of data, though they often face scalability and user experience challenges compared to traditional applications
Peer-to-peer marketplace operating without central authority, where users trade directly from their wallets using smart contracts. DEXs like Uniswap and PancakeSwap have revolutionized crypto trading by eliminating intermediaries, though they typically have lower liquidity and higher fees than centralized exchanges
Ecosystem of financial services built on blockchain technology, aiming to recreate traditional banking without intermediaries. DeFi protocols enable lending, borrowing, trading, and yield generation through smart contracts. The sector has grown from near-zero to over $100 billion in total value locked, though it remains volatile and regulatory uncertain
Holding assets through market volatility without selling
Database distributed across multiple nodes
Advice to independently research before investing
Technical standard for tokens on the Ethereum blockchain
Investment fund traded on stock exchanges
Second-largest blockchain platform enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications, created by Vitalik Buterin in 2015. Ethereum's programmable blockchain serves as the foundation for most DeFi protocols and NFTs. It transitioned from energy-intensive proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus in 2022, reducing energy consumption by over 99%
Runtime environment for smart contracts on Ethereum
Government-issued currency not backed by commodities
Uncollateralized loan that must be repaid within the same transaction
Anxiety driving impulsive investment
Change to blockchain protocol rules, creating new version
Negative sentiment spread to influence market prices
Financial contracts obligating parties to buy/sell assets at predetermined future dates
Fee paid to execute transactions on blockchain networks
First block in a blockchain
Token granting voting rights in protocol decisions
Using graphics processing units to mine cryptocurrency
Strategy of holding cryptocurrency long-term despite market volatility, originating from a misspelled "hold" in a 2013 Bitcoin forum post. HODLers believe in long-term appreciation and resist the temptation to trade on short-term price movements. This buy-and-hold approach contrasts with active trading strategies
Backward-incompatible change to blockchain protocol that creates a permanent split from the original chain. All network participants must upgrade to continue using the new version. Famous examples include Bitcoin Cash's split from Bitcoin and Ethereum's response to the DAO hack
Measure of computational power in blockchain networks
Online cryptocurrency wallet connected to the internet
Fundraising method where new tokens are sold to investors
Token sale conducted through cryptocurrency exchange
Temporary loss of funds from providing liquidity to AMM pools
Ability of different blockchain networks to communicate and interact
Contentment from avoiding risky investments
Identity verification process required by regulated exchanges
Secondary framework built on top of Layer 1 for improved scalability
Platform allowing users to lend and borrow cryptocurrencies
Layer 2 payment protocol for Bitcoin enabling faster transactions
Ease of buying or selling an asset without affecting its price
Earning rewards by providing liquidity to decentralized protocols
Collection of funds locked in smart contracts to facilitate trading
Total value of all tokens in circulation
Cryptocurrency based on internet memes
Virtual shared space combining physical and digital reality
Process of validating transactions and adding them to blockchain
Wallet requiring multiple signatures to authorize transactions
Unique digital asset representing ownership of specific items, built on blockchain technology to ensure authenticity and scarcity. Unlike cryptocurrencies, each NFT has distinct properties and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. The 2021 NFT boom saw digital art selling for millions, though the market has since cooled significantly
Computer participating in blockchain network by maintaining a copy of the distributed ledger and validating transactions. Full nodes store the entire blockchain history, while light nodes only store essential data. Node operators contribute to network decentralization and security
User maintains control of private keys and funds
Service providing external data to blockchain smart contracts
Providing collateral worth more than borrowed amount
Direct interaction between parties without intermediaries
Selling assets quickly due to fear or small profits
System allowing participation without authorization
Secret cryptographic key providing access to cryptocurrency wallet and authorizing transactions, essentially functioning as a digital signature. Loss of private keys means permanent loss of funds, as blockchain transactions are irreversible. The phrase "not your keys, not your crypto" emphasizes the importance of self-custody
Consensus mechanism where validators are chosen to create new blocks based on their stake (ownership) in the network rather than computational power. PoS is more energy-efficient than Proof of Work and allows token holders to earn staking rewards, typically 4-12% annually
Consensus mechanism requiring miners to solve computationally intensive puzzles to validate transactions and create new blocks. While secure and proven, PoW consumes significant energy - Bitcoin's network uses more electricity than many countries
Set of rules governing blockchain network operations
Cryptographic key that can be shared publicly for receiving funds
Quick response code containing wallet address information
Scam where developers suddenly abandon a project and steal investor funds, often by removing liquidity from trading pools or selling their large token holdings. Named after "pulling the rug out from under" investors, these scams became common during the 2021 DeFi boom and highlight the importance of due diligence
Using staked tokens as collateral for additional protocols
Smallest unit of Bitcoin (0.00000001 BTC)
Blockchain's ability to handle increasing transaction volume
Mnemonic phrase used to recover cryptocurrency wallets
Technique dividing blockchain into smaller, parallel chains
Cryptocurrency with little to no value or utility
Self-executing contract with terms directly written into code
Backward-compatible change to blockchain protocol
Cryptocurrency designed to maintain stable value relative to reference asset
Locking tokens to participate in network consensus and earn rewards
Exchange of one cryptocurrency for another
Economic model and distribution mechanics of a token
Total value of assets deposited in DeFi protocols
Measure of blockchain network throughput
Automated software executing trades based on predefined strategies
Unique identifier for blockchain transactions
Token providing access to product or service within ecosystem
Network participant responsible for verifying transactions in PoS systems
Degree of price fluctuation over time
Total amount of asset traded over specific period
Software or hardware storing cryptocurrency private keys and enabling users to send, receive, and manage digital assets. Wallets don't actually store coins but rather the cryptographic keys that control them. Hardware wallets offer better security for large holdings, while software wallets provide convenience for frequent transactions
Vision of a decentralized internet built on blockchain technology where users own their data and digital identity rather than relying on centralized platforms. Web3 promises to shift power from big tech companies to users through token ownership and decentralized protocols, though adoption remains limited
Individual or entity holding large amounts of cryptocurrency, capable of influencing market prices through their trading activity. Whale movements are closely monitored by traders, as large transactions can create significant price volatility. Bitcoin whales typically hold 1,000+ BTC
Technical document explaining cryptocurrency project details
Token representing another cryptocurrency on different blockchain
Return on investment from staking, lending, or providing liquidity
Strategy of maximizing returns by moving funds between DeFi protocols to capture the highest available yields, often involving complex strategies across multiple platforms. Yield farmers chase incentive programs and liquidity mining rewards, sometimes earning 100%+ APY during protocol launches. However, these strategies carry significant smart contract and impermanent loss risks
Cryptographic method proving knowledge without revealing information