Crypto Glossary

Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. The term is derived from "alternative coin" and encompasses thousands of different digital currencies, each with unique features and use cases.

A unique string of letters and numbers that represents a destination for cryptocurrency payments. Similar to a bank account number, but for digital assets.

The highest price that a cryptocurrency has ever reached since it began trading. Often used as a reference point for measuring current performance.

The first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009. Often referred to as "digital gold" due to its store of value properties.

A distributed digital ledger that records transactions across many computers in a way that makes it very difficult to change, hack, or cheat the system.

A sustained period of rising prices in the cryptocurrency market, characterized by optimism, investor confidence, and expectations of further price increases.

A security practice of storing cryptocurrency private keys in an offline environment, disconnected from the internet, to protect against hacking and unauthorized access.

A digital or virtual currency secured by cryptography, making it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. Most cryptocurrencies are decentralized networks based on blockchain technology.

A blockchain-based form of finance that recreates traditional financial services (lending, borrowing, trading) without traditional intermediaries like banks.

Any asset that exists in digital form and comes with the right to use. In cryptocurrency context, it refers to blockchain-based tokens or coins.

A decentralized blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). ETH is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network.

A digital marketplace where cryptocurrencies can be bought, sold, and traded. Exchanges can be centralized (CEX) like Kraken, or decentralized (DEX).

The anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on social media. In trading, it leads to impulsive buying decisions.

A change to a blockchain's protocol rules. Hard forks create new cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin Cash from Bitcoin), while soft forks are backward-compatible upgrades.

Originally a misspelling of "hold," now a popular strategy of holding onto cryptocurrency investments long-term despite market volatility.

The total value of a cryptocurrency, calculated by multiplying the current price by the total number of coins in circulation.

A secret alphanumeric code that allows you to access and control your cryptocurrency. It's essentially the password to your digital wallet.

A type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain stable value by pegging to a reference asset, such as the US Dollar, British Pound, or gold.

A digital tool that allows you to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies. Wallets don't actually store coins but rather the private keys needed to access them.