Glossary
All the terms from the world of Cryptocurrencies that help you understand the topics better and allow you to start trading with confidence.
A
AML
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations are designed to prevent illegal activities and financial crimes in centralised exchanges.
AMM
Automated Market Makers (AMMs) are smart contracts in decentralized exchanges, facilitating liquidity and trade execution.
API
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) streamline the development of applications and web services by integrating functionalities.
APR
The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the yearly interest rate earned on an investment or charged on a loan, expressed as a percentage.
APY
APY (Annual Percentage Yield) in DeFi indicates the annual percentage return earned or paid on an investment or loan.
ASIC
ASICs are specialized devices designed for mining specific cryptocurrencies, offering enhanced efficiency in computational tasks.
ATH and ATL
ATH (All-Time High) and ATL (All-Time Low) represent a cryptocurrency's highest and lowest historical price points.
Account Model
In the Ethereum blockchain, the Account Model represents user accounts with associated wallet addresses, forming the decentralised ledger.
Aggregator
An Aggregator collects and presents similar content or services from various sources, exemplified by platforms like Yearn Finance.
Airdrop
An Airdrop is a method of distributing new cryptocurrencies to the market, often for free or as a reward to community members.
Algorithm
An algorithm is a set of procedures or rules designed to perform specific tasks or solve problems integral to software development.
Altcoin
Altcoins are cryptocurrencies launched after Bitcoin, offering alternative blockchain-based solutions and functionalities.
Arbitrage
Arbitrage is the simultaneous buying and selling of assets in different markets to profit from price disparities.
Audit
An Audit in software development is a thorough review process to ensure the correct and secure functioning of the software.
Average True Range (ATR)
The Average True Range (ATR) is an essential technical analysis indicator for investors seeking to measure market volatility.
B
Bear Market
A Bear Market is a phase in the market characterized by declining asset prices and typically reflecting widespread pessimism.
Bear Trap
A Bear Trap occurs in a bullish market, presenting a temporary downward price movement that can mislead investors.
Benchmark
A Benchmark is a standard or point of reference against which the performance of a financial instrument or market can be measured.
Bid and Ask
In trading, 'Bid' and 'Ask' represent the prices at which buyers and sellers are willing to trade an asset in the order book.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin is the first and most enduring cryptocurrency, introducing blockchain technology as a revolutionary digital ledger system.
Bitcoin Dominance
Bitcoin Dominance measures the proportion of Bitcoin's market capitalisation in relation to the total market cap of all cryptocurrencies.
Black Swan Event
A Black Swan Event is unpredictable with potentially severe consequences, often radically changing the status quo.
Block
A Block is a collection of encrypted transactions, which, linked with other blocks, forms the entire structure of a blockchain.
Block Height
Block Height refers to the total number of blocks in a blockchain, counted from the genesis block to the most recent block.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology, based on cryptography, enables the decentralized and uncensored execution of transactions across various sectors.
Blockchain Explorer
Blockchain Explorer is a software tool that enables users to view all transactions and exchanged data on a specific blockchain.
Bonding
Bonding is the process of locking up cryptocurrencies as a commitment to participate in network activities and receive benefits.
Bonds
Bonds are debt securities issued by governments or institutions to raise funds for various financial purposes.
Break-Even point
The Break-even point is the financial state where total revenues equal total expenses, indicating neither profit nor loss.
Breakout
A Breakout in trading occurs when the price surpasses a defined resistance or support level, leading to increased volatility and activity.
Bridge
A Bridge in blockchain technology enables the transfer and interaction of assets across diverse blockchain platforms.
Bull Market
A Bull Market is a period where prices consistently rise, often driven by investor confidence and economic optimism.
Bull Run
A Bull Run is a market phase marked by a sustained upward price trend, often reflecting widespread positive sentiment among investors.
Bull Trap
A Bull Trap is a deceptive upward price movement in a bearish market, giving the false impression of a market recovery.
Buy Wall and Sell Wall
Buy Wall and Sell Wall represent significant purchase or sale demands at a specific price in cryptocurrency trading.
C
CPI
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the principal measure used to track inflation, reflecting the average price change over time.
Capital
Capital refers to funds or assets for investment or economic activities crucial for business growth and development.
Capital gain
Capital gain is the profit earned from selling an asset at a higher price than its purchase cost, commonly realised in stock markets.
Cashback
Cashback is a reward program where a portion of the amount spent on a transaction is returned to the spender.
CeFi
CeFi, or Centralised Finance, is the centralised alternative to DeFi, offering traditional finance-like services on blockchain.
Central Bank
The Central Bank sits atop the banking hierarchy, working with the government to regulate monetary policy and currency issuance.
Circulating Supply
Circulating Supply refers to the number of cryptocurrency tokens or coins actively available for trading in the market.
Coin
A Coin is a primary form of cryptocurrency that operates independently on its blockchain, serving various transactional purposes.
Coin Burning
Coin Burning is a method to permanently remove cryptocurrency units from circulation, potentially increasing scarcity and value.
Cold Staking
Cold Staking involves securing cryptocurrency in a cold wallet, not connected to the internet, for staking purposes to enhance security.
Cold Wallet
Wallets that are not connected to the internet.
Commercial Bank
Commercial Banks cater to individuals and small businesses, offering deposit accounts, loans, and other traditional banking services.
Consensus Mechanism
A Consensus Mechanism is a decentralised method for validating transactions on a blockchain, crucial for maintaining network integrity.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is an online method of raising funds, allowing broad participation from various individuals or groups.
Crypto Lending
Crypto Lending involves providing loan services using cryptocurrencies on centralized or decentralised platforms.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency using cryptography for security, operating on a decentralised blockchain system.
Cryptography
Cryptography, a crucial component of secure communication, is the study and application of techniques for protecting information.
Custodial Wallet
A Custodial wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet where third parties maintain custody of the owner's private keys.
Custody
Custody in cryptocurrency involves managing a wallet by oneself, ensuring control over the associated private key.
D
DAO
A Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO) operates on blockchain principles, automating governance and decision-making.
DApp
DApp, or Decentralised Application, allows users to interact with blockchain-based services in a distributed network environment.
DEX
A Decentralized Exchange (DEX) facilitates cryptocurrency trading without intermediaries, directly utilising blockchain technology.
DLT
Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) are based on a decentralised and immutable ledger of transactions, shared across a network.
DNS
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical structure that maps domain names to their corresponding IP addresses on the internet.
DYOR
Do Your Own Research (DYOR) emphasizes the importance of independent research and not solely relying on a single information source.
Database
A Database is a systematically organised collection of data, stored and accessed electronically, used across various industries.
DeFi
Decentralised Finance (DeFi) comprises financial solutions based on blockchain technology, operating in a decentralised manner.
Decentralised
A system is called Decentralised when it is governed by consensus among participants without a central authority or hierarchy.
Default
Default occurs when an entity fails to meet its debt obligations, potentially leading to bankruptcy or other financial repercussions.
Deficit
A Deficit in economics signifies a situation where expenses exceed revenues, resulting in a state of financial loss.
Delegated Proof-of-Stake
Delegated Proof-of-Stake is a system where stakeholders transfer their staking power to trusted validators who maintain the network.
Delisting
Delisting is the removal of a cryptocurrency from an exchange's offerings, often due to non-compliance or poor performance.
Diversification
Diversification in investment involves strategically including various assets with different characteristics to reduce portfolio risk.
Dividend
A Dividend is a share of profit distributed to shareholders of a company, usually paid periodically as a return on investment.
DoS
A Denial of Service (DoS) is a cyber attack aimed at making a network or service unavailable, disrupting normal operations.
Double Spending
Double Spending is a risk in digital payment systems, where the same amount might be fraudulently spent twice without proper safeguards.
Dovish
Dovish monetary policy is characterised by low-interest rates and higher employment levels, aiming to stimulate and foster economic growth.
Drawdown
Drawdown is a financial indicator measuring the decline from an asset's peak to its lowest point over a specified period, reflecting risk.
E
ERC-20
ERC-20 is a token standard on Ethereum, allowing many projects to create and launch their own cryptocurrencies on its platform.
ETF
ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are passively managed funds that replicate the performance of a benchmark index, offering broad market exposure.
Exchange
Exchanges provide services for buying and selling digital assets, operating on market-driven prices and facilitating cryptocurrency trade.
F
FOMO
Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) in trading and cryptocurrency contexts refers to the anxiety of missing profitable opportunities.
FUD
FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) describes a general sense of negativity or pessimism in the market, potentially affecting prices.
Fakeout
A Fakeout in the market occurs when the actual price trend diverges from investor expectations, leading to mistaken trading decisions.
Fan Token
Fan Tokens are specialised utility tokens that enable sports teams to engage and interact with their fan base.
Fee
A Fee is a charge incurred for executing financial transactions, often seen in trading, banking, and service provisions.
Fiat Currency
Fiat Currency is government-issued legal tender, not backed by physical commodities, serving as the standard medium of exchange.
FinTech
FinTech combines finance and technology, where companies innovate in financial services using advanced technological solutions.
Financial Bubble
A Financial Bubble is an economic cycle characterised by the rapid escalation of asset prices beyond their intrinsic values.
Financial Instrument
A Financial Instrument is a tool or asset used in financial markets for investment, trading, or funding activities, like stocks or bonds.
Financial Market
The Financial Market is a structured space for trading financial securities, including stocks, bonds, and other investment vehicles.
Floor price
The Floor price is the lowest price at which an asset, such as an NFT or stock, is currently available for purchase on the market.
Forex
The Forex (Foreign Exchange) Market is a global platform for trading fiat currencies, operating 24/7 with high liquidity.
Fungibility
Fungibility is the characteristic of assets that are interchangeable and divisible into smaller units for ease of exchange.
Futures Contract
A Futures Contract is an agreement to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price at a specified future date (hedging or speculation).
G
Genesis Block
The Genesis Block, often called Block 0, is the inaugural block of a blockchain, serving as the foundation of the entire chain.
Golden Cross
The Golden Cross, a key trading term, denotes the crossing of two moving averages. Learn how it can guide trading strategies on assets.
Governance
In cryptocurrency, Governance refers to the systems and rules guiding the operation and decision-making of projects and blockchains.
H
Halving
Halving refers to the event where the reward given to miners for producing blocks on the Bitcoin blockchain is cut in half.
Hard Fork
A Hard Fork represents a significant split in a blockchain due to protocol incompatibilities between new and existing versions.
Hash
A Hash is a cryptographic function uniquely identifying each blockchain block, ensuring data integrity and security.
Hawkish
Hawkish monetary policies involve raising interest rates to combat inflation, prioritising monetary stability and economic control.
Hot Wallet
A Hot Wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet that remains connected to the internet, offering easy access and management of digital assets.
I
ICANN
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) manages the global domain name system and IP address allocation.
ICO
An ICO (Initial Coin Offering) is an event where a new cryptocurrency is sold to the public to distribute and promote it in the market.
IEO
An IEO (Initial Exchange Offering) is a cryptocurrency launch event hosted by an exchange to distribute and market a new digital currency.
IP address
An IP Address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network, identifying it for communication purposes.
Indicator
An economic indicator compiles macro data, a key tool to evaluate investment opportunities and the economy’s health.
Inflation
Inflation signifies the gradual increase in market or currency prices, impacting the purchasing power over time.
Interoperability
Interoperability in blockchain refers to exchanging data with other platforms, including different blockchain types and off-chain systems.
L
Layer 2
Layer 2 protocols operate on top of an existing blockchain to enhance network scalability and efficiency, improving transaction speeds.
Limit Order
A Limit Order is executed only when the cryptocurrency reaches a predetermined price, specifying exact buy or sell conditions.
Liquid Proof-of-Stake
Liquid Proof-of-Stake is a variant of Proof-of-Stake where staked tokens remain liquid and readily accessible for transactions.
Liquid Staking
Liquid Staking allows the staked assets to be simultaneously utilised in other protocols, maintaining liquidity while earning rewards.
Liquidity
Liquidity measures how easy it is to convert a cryptocurrency or financial instrument into fiat currency without affecting its value.
Listing
Listing refers to adding a new cryptocurrency or token to an exchange, making it available for trading to the public.
M
Market Cap
Market Cap denotes the total market value of all circulating coins or tokens of a particular cryptocurrency.
Market Maker
Market Makers are intermediaries who buy and sell large quantities of an asset to facilitate its liquidity and ensure market depth.
Market Mover
A Market Mover is a factor or event capable of significantly influencing a financial market's direction and price levels.
Market Order
A Market Order is executed instantly at the next available best market price for buying or selling cryptocurrencies.
Market Trend
Market Trend signifies the prevailing direction of financial markets, identified over a substantial duration for investment analysis.
Metadata
Metadata is a type of data that provides essential information about other data, enhancing its context, usability, and organisation.
Metaverse
The Metaverse is a digital platform offering immersive, shared experiences in a virtual online environment, often integrating blockchain.
Mining
Mining involves solving complex cryptographic challenges to create new blocks on a blockchain, earning cryptocurrency rewards.
Mining Pool
A Mining Pool is a collective that combines multiple miners' computational power to enhance cryptocurrency mining efficiency.
Mining difficulty
Mining difficulty reflects the complexity of the cryptographic problems that must be solved to mine a block in networks like Bitcoin.
Minting
Minting is the process of creating and registering new digital assets, such as tokens or NFTs, on a blockchain.
Modularity
Modularity in software development focuses on creating flexible systems by segmenting components for easier management and adaptation.
Moon
The term 'Moon' describes a rapid and significant surge in a cryptocurrency's price, indicating bullish market sentiment.
Multisig Wallet
A Multisig (Multi-signature) wallet requires multiple private keys to authorize cryptocurrency transactions, enhancing security.
Mutual Funds
Mutual Funds pool capital from multiple investors to invest collectively in diversified portfolios of assets.
N
NFT
An NFT, or Non-Fungible Token, represents a unique digital item or asset recorded and verified on a blockchain.
NFT Domains
NFT Domains are unique, decentralised internet domains, managed by smart contracts and recorded on a blockchain.
Network
The Network in blockchain refers to the interconnected system of computers, or nodes, supporting the operations of a cryptocurrency.
Neural Networks
Neural Networks are advanced computational models that mimic the workings of the human brain, often used in artificial intelligence.
Node
A Node refers to a computer connected to a blockchain network, playing a crucial role in processing and validating transactions.
Non custodial wallet
A non-custodial wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet where the owner maintains complete control over their private keys.
O
Off-chain
Off-chain transactions refer to activities conducted outside the blockchain, enhancing speed and reducing congestion.
On-chain
On-chain activities are those executed and recorded on the blockchain, ensuring transparency and permanence of the data.
Open-source
Open-source software offers publicly accessible source code, allowing collaborative use, modification, and distribution.
Oracle
An Oracle is a blockchain mechanism providing external, verified data to smart contracts for accurate and reliable execution.
Order Book
The order book shows the demand and supply on an exchange, listing prices at which users are willing to buy and sell certain amounts.
P
P2P
Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks facilitate direct user data exchange, bypassing the need for centralised intermediaries.
Pair
In trading, a Pair involves two currencies exchanged against each other, commonly seen on cryptocurrency and forex exchanges.
Parameters
Parameters are variables defining rules and conditions for trading operations, which vary by trading strategy.
Prediction Market
Prediction markets are exchange-traded platforms that predict the outcomes of future events, reflecting market sentiment and speculations.
Price action
Price action refers to the movement and behaviour of a financial instrument's price over time, used for predictive analysis in trading.
Private Key
A Private Key is a unique secure cryptographic code granting access to a cryptocurrency wallet and is associated with a public key.
Proof-of-Stake
Proof-of-Stake is a blockchain consensus method where validators stake their cryptocurrencies to participate in network governance.
Proof-of-Work
Proof-of-work is a blockchain consensus mechanism relying on miners' computational power to validate transactions and create blocks.
Public Key
A Public Key is a unique cryptographic code for identifying a blockchain cryptocurrency wallet and is associted with a private kwy..
Pullback
A pullback is a small decline in an asset's price during an uptrend, often considered a buying opportunity.
Pump&Dump
Pump&Dump is a manipulative market strategy that artificially inflates cryptocurrency prices for the benefit of the initiators.
Purchasing power
Purchasing power refers to the quantity and quality of goods and services that can be acquired with a given amount of money.
Pure Proof-of-Stake
Pure Proof-of-Stake is a consensus model where validators are selected randomly and anonymously, using Verifiable Random Functions (VRF).
R
ROI
ROI, or Return on Investment, quantifies the performance of an investment by comparing profits to its original cost.
Rally
A Rally is a rapid and significant increase in an asset's or market index's price, driven by a surge in demand from investors.
Registrar
Registrars are organizations responsible for the registration and management of domain names on the internet.
Registry
Registries are organizations overseeing the administration and management of top-level domain information on the internet.
Relative Strength
Relative Strength is a technical analysis tool comparing the price performance of two cryptocurrencies to evaluate their market strength.
Royalty
Royalties are payments made to the creators of NFTs for each subsequent sale, providing ongoing compensation.
S
SEC
The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) is a U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the securities markets.
Satoshi Nakamoto
Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator(s) of Bitcoin, remains a mystery with no known true identity and no current online presence.
Scarcity
Scarcity defines the limited availability of an asset, directly influencing its market demand and perceived value.
Seed phrase
A Seed Phrase is a series of 12 or 24 words used to recover access to a cryptocurrency wallet, acting as a backup tool.
Shard
In blockchain, Shard refers to a network subdivision that enhances transaction processing efficiency and overall network scalability.
Slippage
Slippage is the variation between a trade's expected and executed price, often occurring in fast-moving or illiquid markets.
Smart Contract
A Smart Contract is a digital contract with terms automatically executed by the blockchain when predetermined conditions are met.
Stablecoin
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies whose value is pegged to stable assets like fiat currencies or precious metals, aiming to reduce volatility.
Stake
The Stake represents the total cryptocurrency users are currently staking within a blockchain network to gain rewards.
Staking
Staking involves holding cryptocurrencies in a digital wallet to support network operations and earning rewards for participation.
Staking Derivative
Staking Derivatives are financial products derived from staking, with values dependent on the performance of staked tokens and network reward
Staking Pool
A Staking Pool combines the cryptocurrencies of several individuals to increase collective staking power and potential rewards.
Stocks
Stocks are financial instruments representing ownership shares in a company, entitling holders to a portion of the corporate profits.
Stop Order
A Stop Order is a conditional trade tool in markets, allowing investors to buy or sell assets when prices reach a set level.
Structured data
Structured data refers to information that is highly organised in a way that is easily searchable and algorithmically manageable.
Supply and demand
Supply and demand are fundamental economic forces determining the price and availability of goods and services in the market.
Support and resistance
Support and Resistance are technical analysis tools identifying price levels where an asset's price trend may pause or reverse.
Swap
Swap is the exchange of one crypto token for another via a decentralised platform, enabling seamless asset conversion.
T
TCP/IP
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the fundamental communication protocol set that enables internet functionality.
TLD
The Top-Level Domain (TLD) is the highest part of the domain name structure, appearing at the end of web addresses.
TVL
TVL (Total Value Locked) represents the cumulative value of cryptocurrencies locked in a DeFi protocol or decentralised application (dApp).
Testnet
A Testnet is a trial blockchain network used for testing new applications and features, offering a risk-free environment for development.
Token
A Token is a digital asset created on an existing blockchain, representing value or utility within its native ecosystem.
Token YNG
Young (YNG) is the Utility Token at the centre of the Young Platform ecosystem, an Italian European company. It is an ERC-20 token.
Tokenomics
Tokenomics involves the economic rules and models governing the issuing, distributing, and using a digital project's tokens.
Total Supply
Total supply is the entirety of tokens or coins that have been created or issued by a cryptocurrency project up to date.
Trading
Trading is buying and selling financial assets in markets to profit from price movements and market trends.
Transaction
A Transaction is a formal agreement involving the exchange of assets, value, or data between digital or physical entities.
Transactions per second (TPS)
Transactions per second (TPS) measures the processing speed of a blockchain network, indicating its efficiency and scalability.
U
URL
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a unique string of characters that provides the address of a specific resource on the World Wide Web.
UTXO
Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) is the amount of cryptocurrency left after a transaction, available for future transactions.
Utility Token
Utility Tokens are specialised cryptocurrencies that grant holders access to services and benefits, within a blockchain ecosystem.
V
Virtual Currency
Virtual Currency is a legal term encompassing digital currencies, including cryptocurrencies, used in various financial transactions.
Volatility
Volatility in finance refers to the extent of price fluctuations a financial instrument experiences over a period.
Volume
Volume indicates the total amount of a cryptocurrency traded within a specific time frame, reflecting market activity.
W
Wallet
A Wallet is a digital software designed for securely sending, receiving, and storing various cryptocurrencies.
Wallet address
The Wallet address is a unique string of characters identifying a cryptocurrency wallet for transactions and asset management.
Web 3.0
Web 3.0, often linked to the Semantic Web, signifies the next evolution of the internet, emphasizing data interoperability and user control.
Web3
Web3 marks the third evolution of the web, characterised by a shift in the economic and technological landscape driven by blockchain.
White Paper
A White paper is a detailed document used by crypto projects to outline their technological innovations and proposals.
Whitelist
In blockchain, a Whitelist is an exclusive list of addresses granted early access to participate in ICOs or to purchase NFT collections.
Wrapped Token
A Wrapped Token represents the value of one crypto on a different blockchain standard, facilitating cross-chain transactions and usage.