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A

  • Account Abstraction

    A technique in blockchain to separate user operations from the underlying execution environment for improved flexibility.

  • Accounting Token

    A digital token that represents accounting-related assets or rights within a blockchain or digital ledger system.

  • Accredited Investors

    Individuals or entities that meet specific financial criteria, allowing them to invest in certain higher-risk financial products.

  • Airdrop

    The distribution of free tokens or coins to holders of a specific cryptocurrency, usually for promotional purposes.

  • Algo-Trading (Algorithmic Trading)

    The use of computer algorithms to automatically make trading decisions and execute orders in financial markets.

  • Algorithmic Market Operations (AMOs)

    Automated processes for executing market transactions based on pre-defined algorithms.

  • Algorithmic Stablecoin

    A type of stablecoin whose value is stabilised through algorithmic mechanisms, rather than being pegged to an asset.

  • Altcoin

    Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin, often created to address specific challenges or offer unique features.

  • Apeing

    The act of impulsively or emotionally investing in a cryptocurrency or asset without research, often driven by hype or social influence.

  • Arbitrage

    The practice of exploiting price differences of an asset in different markets for a risk-free profit.

  • ASIC

    Application-Specific Integrated Circuit; a type of hardware designed for a specific use, commonly used in cryptocurrency mining.

  • ASIC-Resistant

    A term describing a cryptocurrency or algorithm designed to be resistant to mining with ASIC hardware, promoting decentralisation.

  • Asset-Backed Tokens

    Digital tokens backed by real-world assets, such as real estate, commodities, or intellectual property.

  • Atomic Swap

    A smart contract technology that enables the exchange of cryptocurrencies between different blockchains without the need for a trusted third party.

  • AtomicDEX

    A decentralised exchange that uses atomic swaps to allow for peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trading across different blockchains.

  • Automated Market Maker (AMM)

    A protocol that uses algorithms to automatically set prices and facilitate trades in decentralised exchanges, removing the need for order books.

B

  • Bitcoin (BTC)

    A decentralised digital currency created by Satoshi Nakamoto, using blockchain technology for secure peer-to-peer transactions.

  • Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

    A fork of Bitcoin created to address scalability issues, allowing for larger block sizes and faster transaction processing.

  • Bitcoin Core

    The original software implementation of the Bitcoin protocol, responsible for maintaining the Bitcoin network’s consensus.

  • Bitcoin Lightning Network

    A second-layer protocol built on top of Bitcoin to enable faster, cheaper transactions by offloading some transactions from the blockchain.

  • Bitcoin Mining

    The process of validating Bitcoin transactions and adding them to the blockchain by solving complex mathematical puzzles, requiring significant computational power.

  • Bitcoin Wallet

    A software application that allows users to store, send, and receive Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies securely.

  • Bitcoin Whitepaper

    The original paper authored by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 that outlined the concept and mechanics of Bitcoin.

  • Bitfinex

    A popular cryptocurrency exchange offering advanced trading features, margin trading, and a wide range of cryptocurrencies.

  • Bitstamp

    One of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges, known for its reliability and wide range of fiat and crypto trading pairs.

  • Block Reward

    The reward given to miners for successfully validating and adding a new block to a blockchain, typically in the form of cryptocurrency.

  • Block Size

    The maximum amount of data a single block in a blockchain can contain, which impacts the scalability and transaction speed of the network.

  • Block Time

    The average time interval between the creation of consecutive blocks in a blockchain, influencing transaction processing speed.

  • Blockchain

    A distributed ledger technology that securely records transactions across multiple computers, ensuring data integrity and transparency.

  • Blockchain Explorer

    A tool used to view and search blockchain transactions, addresses, and blocks, providing transparency and data verification.

  • Blockchain Fork

    A change or divergence in the protocol or rules of a blockchain network, leading to the creation of a new branch of the blockchain.

  • Blockchain Scaling

    The process of improving a blockchain’s capacity to handle increased transaction volumes, typically through technical innovations like sharding or off-chain transactions.

  • Blockchain Trilemma

    The challenge of balancing three main blockchain properties—decentralisation, security, and scalability—without sacrificing one for the others.

  • Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS)

    A cloud-based service that allows businesses to build and manage blockchain applications without needing to develop their own infrastructure.

  • Burning (Burning Tokens)

    The process of permanently removing tokens from circulation to reduce supply, often to increase scarcity and potentially raise value.

  • Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT)

    A property of a distributed system that allows it to function correctly even when some of its components fail or behave maliciously.

C

  • CeFi (Centralised Finance)

    The traditional financial system where intermediaries, such as banks and exchanges, handle asset transactions and management.

  • Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)

    A digital form of currency issued and controlled by a country's central bank, designed to be a government-backed alternative to cryptocurrencies.

  • Centralised Exchange (CEX)

    Centralised Exchange (CEX) A platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, controlled by a central authority that manages transactions.

  • Chainlink (LINK)

    A decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts with real-world data, enabling secure and reliable data input.

  • Cloud Mining

    The practice of mining cryptocurrencies using remote data centres instead of personal mining hardware, allowing users to rent mining power.

  • Collateral

    An asset pledged by a borrower to secure a loan, which can be seized if the borrower defaults on the loan.

  • Collateralised Debt Obligation (CDO)

    A type of structured financial product backed by a pool of assets, such as loans or mortgages, where investors receive payments from the pool.

  • Consensus Algorithm

    A protocol used by blockchain networks to agree on the validity of transactions and maintain a single source of truth.

  • Consensus Mechanism

    A method used in distributed networks, such as blockchain, to reach agreement on transaction validation without a central authority.

  • Crypto Asset

    A digital asset based on blockchain technology, representing value and often used as a store of value, medium of exchange, or investment.

  • Crypto Exchange

    A platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, typically with the ability to also trade fiat currencies.

  • Crypto KYC (Know Your Customer)

    A process used by cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms to verify the identity of their users to comply with regulatory requirements.

  • Crypto Lending

    A financial service where cryptocurrency holders lend their assets to borrowers in exchange for interest payments.

  • Crypto Mining

    The process of validating transactions and adding them to a blockchain ledger, rewarded with newly minted cryptocurrency.

  • Crypto Regulations

    Legal frameworks and rules set by governments or regulatory bodies to govern cryptocurrency trading, exchange, and use.

  • Crypto Wallet

    A digital wallet used to store and manage cryptocurrency, providing secure access to private keys for transaction signing.

  • Cryptocurrency

    A type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates on decentralised networks such as blockchain.

  • Cryptocurrency Fork

    A situation where a blockchain’s protocol is split into two separate chains, creating two distinct cryptocurrencies.

  • Cryptography

    The science of securing communication and data through mathematical techniques and algorithms, essential for cryptocurrency transactions.

  • Cryptojacking

    The unauthorized use of someone’s computing power to mine cryptocurrency without their consent.

D

  • Daedalus Wallet

    A full-node cryptocurrency wallet for the Cardano blockchain, providing users with a secure and decentralised way to store and manage ADA.

  • DAO Summoning

    The process of creating or establishing a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) through a formal proposal and community participation.

  • Decentralised

    Refers to systems or networks that operate without a central authority, where control is distributed among participants.

  • Decentralized API (dAPI)

    A decentralized alternative to traditional application programming interfaces (APIs), enabling secure, permissionless access to services.

  • Decentralized Application (DApps)

    Software applications that run on a decentralized blockchain network rather than a centralised server.

  • Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO)

    Organizations that are run through smart contracts on a blockchain, with governance typically controlled by token holders.

  • Decentralized Exchange (DEX)

    A cryptocurrency exchange that operates without a central authority, allowing users to trade directly with each other.

  • Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

    A movement that uses blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies to recreate traditional financial systems (lending, borrowing, trading) in a decentralized manner.

  • Decentralized Governance

    A system where decision-making power is distributed across participants in a network, typically seen in DAOs and blockchain protocols.

  • Decentralized Stablecoin

    A stablecoin that is not controlled by any central authority, often backed by cryptocurrency reserves or governed by a DAO.

  • DeFi

    Short for Decentralized Finance, refers to the use of blockchain and cryptocurrencies to provide financial services without intermediaries.

  • DeFi Aggregator

    A platform that aggregates multiple decentralized finance protocols, enabling users to optimise yield and liquidity across platforms.

  • Delayed Proof of Work (dPoW)

    A consensus mechanism used to provide extra security to a blockchain by using proof of work to back up a blockchain’s state.

  • Delegated Proof-of-Stake (dPOS)

    A consensus mechanism where token holders vote for delegates who validate transactions and secure the network on their behalf.

  • Digital Currency

    A form of money in digital format, including cryptocurrencies and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), used for online transactions.

  • Distributed Consensus

    A method used in decentralized networks to ensure all participants agree on the validity of transactions or data without relying on a central authority.

  • Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)

    A technology that enables the decentralization of data storage, allowing multiple participants to validate and store transactions across a network.

  • Distributed Network

    A network where computing resources and decision-making are spread across multiple nodes, without a single central control point.

  • Distributed Validator Technology (DVT)

    A method used in blockchain networks to distribute the validation of transactions across multiple nodes, enhancing security and decentralization.

  • Double Spend Attack

    A type of attack where an attacker tries to spend the same cryptocurrency twice by exploiting vulnerabilities in a blockchain or network.

  • Dump

    A rapid sale or dumping of assets, causing a significant drop in price, often used in reference to market manipulation.

E

  • EIP-1559

    A proposal for improving Ethereum’s transaction fee system by introducing a base fee that is burned, reducing supply and potentially increasing value.

  • Electrum Wallet

    A lightweight Bitcoin wallet that allows users to securely store, send, and receive Bitcoin, known for its speed and low resource usage.

  • Encryption

    The process of encoding data to protect it from unauthorized access, ensuring confidentiality and security in blockchain and cryptocurrency transactions.

  • Enterprise Blockchain

    Blockchain technology used by businesses to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in supply chains, financial services, or other enterprise functions.

  • Enterprise Ethereum Alliance (EEA)

    A consortium of companies working together to develop blockchain solutions based on Ethereum, aiming to build enterprise-grade applications.

  • ERC-20

    A widely adopted Ethereum token standard that defines a common set of rules for creating and issuing tokens on the Ethereum blockchain.

  • ERC-223

    An Ethereum token standard designed to improve upon ERC-20 by allowing for more secure and efficient transfers of tokens to contracts.

  • ERC-721

    A standard for creating non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the Ethereum blockchain, used to represent unique assets like digital art or collectibles.

  • ERC-777

    An advanced Ethereum token standard that provides more features, such as hooks for additional functionality and better security.

  • ERC-827

    An Ethereum token standard that extends ERC-20 by allowing for token approvals and data transfers to be sent within a single transaction.

  • Escrow

    A financial arrangement in which a third party holds and manages funds or assets until the terms of an agreement are fulfilled.

  • ETH-BTC

    A trading pair that represents the value of Ethereum (ETH) relative to Bitcoin (BTC) on cryptocurrency exchanges.

  • Ethash

    The Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithm used by Ethereum, designed to be memory-hard to ensure decentralization and security.

  • Ether

    The native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network, used to pay for transaction fees, smart contract execution, and as a store of value.

  • Ethereum Difficulty

    The level of computational difficulty involved in mining new blocks on the Ethereum blockchain, adjusting periodically to ensure consistent block times.

  • Ethereum ETF

    An exchange-traded fund that tracks the price of Ethereum, allowing investors to gain exposure to ETH without directly owning it.

  • Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP)

    A formal proposal for changes or improvements to the Ethereum network, submitted for community review and approval.

  • Ethereum Request For Comment (ERC)

    A standard for creating and managing tokens or other assets on the Ethereum network, often used to define token standards like ERC-20 or ERC-721.

  • Ethereum Transaction

    A transfer of Ether or data between accounts on the Ethereum network, often involving smart contract execution or value exchange.

  • Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)

    The runtime environment for executing smart contracts on the Ethereum network, enabling decentralised applications to operate on the blockchain.

  • Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)

    A financial product that tracks the price of an asset or group of assets, allowing investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrency markets without directly holding coins.

F

  • Fan Token

    A type of cryptocurrency that gives holders voting rights or access to exclusive content or rewards from a specific sports team or brand.

  • FATF Travel Rule

    A regulation from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requiring cryptocurrency service providers to collect and share transaction details to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.

  • Faucet

    A website or app that gives away small amounts of cryptocurrency for free, usually as a way to introduce new users to crypto or to encourage engagement.

  • Fiat

    Traditional government-issued currency, such as USD, AUD, or EUR, that is not backed by a physical commodity but by the trust of the government.

  • Fiat On-Ramp

    A platform or service that allows users to convert fiat currency into cryptocurrency, typically through bank transfers, credit cards, or other payment methods.

  • Fiat-Pegged Cryptocurrency

    A type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by being backed or pegged to a fiat currency like the US Dollar.

  • Fibonacci Retracement Level

    A technical analysis tool that uses horizontal lines to indicate areas of support or resistance based on Fibonacci sequences, commonly used in crypto trading.

  • Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

    An intergovernmental organization that sets standards for combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and other financial crimes, with implications for the cryptocurrency industry.

  • Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN)

    A US government agency that enforces regulations related to financial crimes, including money laundering, with oversight over cryptocurrency transactions.

  • Flash Crash

    A sudden and severe drop in the price of an asset, often caused by mass panic selling or algorithmic trading errors.

  • Flash Loan

    A type of loan in DeFi (Decentralized Finance) that allows borrowers to take out a loan without collateral, provided it is repaid within a single transaction block.

  • Flash Loan Attack

    A type of exploit in which a flash loan is used to manipulate markets or smart contracts, often causing price manipulation or exploiting vulnerabilities.

  • Flashbots

    A set of tools and services focused on building and deploying blockchain bots for optimising Ethereum transaction strategies, particularly around miner extractable value (MEV).

  • Flatcoin

    A type of stablecoin designed to maintain a constant value, often using algorithms or economic mechanisms to counteract inflation or deflation.

  • Fork (Blockchain)

    A split in a blockchain into two separate chains, often resulting from a change in consensus rules or protocol upgrades.

  • Fractional Stablecoins

    Stablecoins that are partially backed by traditional assets and partially by other cryptocurrencies, aiming to provide more flexibility and stability.

  • Fraud Proof

    A method used to prove that a transaction or block is invalid, often used in proof-of-stake (PoS) or other consensus mechanisms to maintain security.

  • Front Running

    The act of executing orders on the blockchain ahead of a known transaction, usually to profit from its anticipated price impact, often considered unethical.

  • Fungible

    Describes assets, such as Bitcoin or Ether, that are identical in value and can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis, without differentiation between units.

  • Futures

    A financial contract that obligates the buyer to purchase an asset, or the seller to sell an asset, at a predetermined price and time in the future.

G

  • Gains

    The profit made from an investment, often used in the context of cryptocurrency trading where the value of an asset increases over time.

  • Gas

    A unit of measurement for computational work required to execute transactions or smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain, used to calculate transaction fees.

  • Gas Limit

    The maximum amount of gas that can be used in a transaction on the Ethereum network, set by the user to prevent excessive spending on fees.

  • Gas Price

    The price per unit of gas on the Ethereum network, typically expressed in gwei, which determines the cost of executing transactions or smart contracts.

  • Gas Station Networks (GSN)

    A protocol that allows users to interact with Ethereum-based dApps without needing to pay gas fees upfront, instead using relayers to pay on their behalf.

  • Genesis Block

    The first block in a blockchain, serving as the foundation upon which all other blocks are built. The genesis block is also often hardcoded into the blockchain protocol.

  • Geth

    The Go implementation of the Ethereum protocol, one of the most widely used Ethereum clients for running nodes on the network.

  • Gold-Backed Cryptocurrency

    A cryptocurrency that is pegged to the value of gold, with each token being backed by an equivalent amount of gold to provide price stability.

  • Governance

    The mechanisms and processes used to make decisions and implement rules in a blockchain network, often involving token holders, developers, and miners/validators.

  • Governance Token

    A token used to participate in the governance of a blockchain or decentralised project, allowing holders to vote on proposals or decisions.

  • GPG Encryption

    A method of encrypting data using public and private keys to secure communications, commonly used in blockchain for data privacy.

  • Graphical Processing Unit (GPU)

    A hardware component primarily used for rendering images, but also utilised for cryptocurrency mining, especially in proof-of-work networks.

  • Gwei

    A subunit of Ether, used to measure gas fees on the Ethereum blockchain, where 1 Ether = 1 billion gwei.

H

  • Halving

    An event in certain cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, where the reward for mining new blocks is reduced by half, typically every four years, to control inflation.

  • Hard Cap

    The maximum limit on the total supply of a cryptocurrency or token, ensuring scarcity and limiting inflation.

  • Hard Fork (Blockchain)

    A radical change to a blockchain's protocol that is not backwards compatible, resulting in the creation of a new chain, such as Ethereum's split from Ethereum Classic.

  • Hardware Security Module

    A physical device used to generate, store, and manage cryptographic keys, often used for securing cryptocurrency assets.

  • Hardware Wallet

    A physical device used to store private keys securely offline, providing protection from hacks and malware.

  • Hash

    A cryptographic function that takes input data and produces a fixed-size string of characters, serving as a unique identifier for data.

  • Hash Function

    A mathematical function that converts input data into a fixed-size hash, used in blockchain to securely represent and verify transactions.

  • Hash Power or Hash Rate

    The measure of computational power used in cryptocurrency mining, indicating how quickly a miner can solve cryptographic problems.

  • Hashed Timelock Contract (HTLC)

    A smart contract used to enforce a time-lock mechanism for transactions, allowing cross-chain transactions to be completed securely.

  • Hashgraph Consensus Mechanism

    A consensus algorithm used by the Hashgraph blockchain, offering high throughput and low latency, designed as an alternative to traditional blockchain protocols.

  • HODL

    A term derived from a misspelled word "hold," meaning to buy and hold a cryptocurrency long-term, typically used by long-term investors.

  • Hot Wallet

    A cryptocurrency wallet connected to the internet, allowing for quick access and transactions but at higher risk of cyberattacks.

  • Howey Test

    A legal test used to determine whether a cryptocurrency or digital asset is classified as a security, based on the US Securities Act of 1933.

  • Hybrid PoW PoS

    A consensus mechanism combining both Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) to secure a blockchain, providing benefits of both systems.

I

  • Impermanent Loss

    A risk in liquidity provision where the value of assets in a liquidity pool changes unfavourably compared to holding the assets in a wallet.

  • Initial Coin Offering (ICO)

    A method of fundraising where new cryptocurrency projects sell tokens to investors in exchange for capital, often used for launching new coins.

  • Initial Dex Offering (IDO)

    A type of cryptocurrency fundraising event where tokens are offered on a decentralised exchange (DEX) instead of traditional platforms.

  • Initial Exchange Offering (IEO)

    A fundraising method where tokens are sold through a centralised exchange, providing users with a more regulated environment.

  • Insider Trading

    The illegal practice of trading on the basis of confidential information about a company or cryptocurrency project.

  • Institutional Investor

    A large organisation, such as a hedge fund or pension fund, that invests significant amounts of capital in cryptocurrencies or blockchain projects.

  • Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC)

    A protocol allowing different blockchains to communicate and transfer assets or data between one another in a secure and interoperable manner.

  • Interest Rates

    The rate at which interest is charged or earned on cryptocurrency loans, savings, or staking yields.

  • Interoperability

    The ability of different blockchain networks or systems to work together, enabling cross-chain communication and asset transfer.

  • InterPlanetary File System (IPFS)

    A distributed file storage system that allows files to be stored across a network of computers, commonly used in decentralised applications.

J

  • Jager

    A reference to a tool or library used in blockchain development, or in some contexts, a type of cryptocurrency bot.

  • Java

    A programming language used in the development of smart contracts, blockchain platforms, and decentralised applications.

  • JavaScript

    A popular programming language used to build web-based decentralised applications (DApps) and interact with blockchain networks.

  • JOMO

    Joy of Missing Out; the opposite of FOMO, where individuals choose not to follow market trends and avoid the emotional impact of crypto volatility.

K

  • Keylogger

    A type of malware that records keystrokes on a computer or device, often used in phishing or hacking attempts to steal private keys or login credentials.

  • Klinger Oscillator

    A technical indicator used in market analysis to predict price movements by comparing volume and price trends.

  • Know Your Customer (KYC)

    A process of verifying the identity of users, especially on centralised platforms, to comply with regulations and prevent fraud or money laundering.

L

  • Layer 2

    Solutions built on top of Layer 1 blockchains to improve scalability and transaction speed, such as the Lightning Network for Bitcoin.

  • Layer-1 Blockchain

    The base level blockchain network that supports decentralized transactions, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, without relying on any other blockchain.

  • Leverage

    The use of borrowed funds to increase the potential return on an investment, often used in margin trading in cryptocurrency markets.

  • Leveraged Tokens

    Tokens that allow traders to gain exposure to a cryptocurrency asset with leverage, amplifying potential profits and losses.

  • Lightning Network

    A Layer 2 solution on the Bitcoin blockchain designed to enable faster and cheaper transactions by creating off-chain payment channels.

  • Limit Order

    An order placed on a cryptocurrency exchange to buy or sell an asset at a specific price or better, providing more control over the trade.

  • LINK (Chainlink)

    A decentralised oracle network that connects smart contracts with real-world data, enabling blockchain applications to interact with external data sources.

  • Liquidity

    The ease with which an asset can be bought or sold without affecting its price significantly, important for market efficiency.

  • Liquidity Mining

    The process of earning rewards by providing liquidity to decentralised exchanges or DeFi platforms, often in the form of tokens.

  • Liquidity Pool

    A collection of funds locked in a smart contract, used to facilitate trading on decentralised exchanges and provide liquidity.

  • Liquidity Provider

    An individual or entity that supplies liquidity to a liquidity pool in exchange for fees or rewards.

  • Liquidity Provider Tokens (LP Tokens)

    Tokens representing a share of the liquidity pool, which can be used to claim a portion of the pool’s rewards or assets.

  • Loan-to-value (LTV)

    A ratio used in lending to determine the amount of a loan relative to the value of the collateral, often used in crypto-backed loans.

  • Longing (Long Position)

    Referring to the act of taking a position where the trader buys an asset, hoping for its value to increase to make a profit.

  • Lovelace

    The smallest unit of the Cardano cryptocurrency, named after Ada Lovelace, a mathematician and pioneer in computing.

M

  • Mainnet

    The live, fully operational version of a blockchain network where real transactions occur, as opposed to a testnet used for development.

  • Maker Protocol (MakerDAO)

    A decentralised finance protocol that allows users to borrow stablecoins (DAI) by collateralising assets, using a unique governance model.

  • Malware

    Malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorised access to computer systems, often targeting crypto wallets or exchanges.

  • Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MITM)

    A cyber attack where a third party intercepts and potentially alters the communication between two parties, often targeting crypto transactions.

  • Margin Trading

    The practice of borrowing funds to trade larger positions, amplifying both potential profits and risks.

  • Market Capitalisation or Market Cap (MCAP)

    The total value of a cryptocurrency, calculated by multiplying its current price by the total supply of coins or tokens.

  • Market Maker & Market Taker

    Market makers provide liquidity by placing orders, while market takers execute trades by matching existing orders in the order book.

  • Market Order, Market Buy, Market Sell

    Orders that are executed at the best available price in the market, typically used for quick trades without setting a specific price.

  • Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA)

    A proposed regulation in the European Union aiming to create a legal framework for cryptocurrency markets, providing more clarity and security for users.

  • Masternodes

    Special nodes in a blockchain network that perform additional functions, such as governance, transaction validation, or providing network services.

  • Maximal Extractable Value (MEV)

    The maximum profit a miner or validator can extract from producing a block, by reordering, including, or excluding transactions.

  • Medium of Exchange

    An asset or currency that is used to facilitate transactions, such as Bitcoin, which can be used as a medium of exchange in the crypto space.

  • Memecoin

    A cryptocurrency created based on memes or internet culture, often having little utility but gaining value due to community interest or hype.

  • MetaMask

    A popular cryptocurrency wallet that allows users to interact with the Ethereum blockchain and decentralised applications (DApps) through a browser extension.

  • Metaverse

    A virtual reality space where users can interact with each other and digital assets in a 3D environment, often integrated with blockchain technology for asset ownership.

  • Miners

    Individuals or entities that use computational power to validate transactions and secure the blockchain network in a proof-of-work system.

  • Mining Pool

    A collective group of miners who combine their computational power to increase the chances of solving blocks and share the rewards.

  • Mining Reward

    The reward given to miners for validating and adding a new block to a blockchain, typically paid in cryptocurrency.

  • Mining Rig

    A computer setup with specialised hardware used for mining cryptocurrencies, often featuring multiple GPUs or ASICs for optimal performance.

  • Minting

    The process of creating new tokens or coins in a cryptocurrency system, often through staking or as a reward for validating transactions.

  • Multisignature

    A security feature requiring multiple private keys to authorise a transaction, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of fraud or theft.

N

  • NFT

    Non-Fungible Token; a unique digital asset that represents ownership of a specific item, often used for digital art, collectibles, or virtual goods.

  • NFT Royalties

    Ongoing payments that the creator of an NFT receives each time it is resold on the secondary market, often embedded in the smart contract.

  • Node

    A computer or device that participates in the blockchain network, verifying transactions and contributing to the decentralisation of the system.

  • Nominators

    In proof-of-stake systems, nominators are individuals who support validators by staking their tokens in exchange for a share of the rewards.

  • Non-Custodial

    A type of wallet or service where the user retains full control of their private keys and assets, as opposed to custodial services which hold assets on behalf of users.

  • Non-fungible Assets

    Assets that are unique and not interchangeable with others, often represented as NFTs in the blockchain world.

  • Nonce

    A number used only once in cryptographic communications, such as in blockchain transactions to prevent replay attacks.

  • Notarization on Blockchain

    The process of using blockchain to verify the authenticity of a document or transaction, making it tamper-proof and immutable.

O

  • Off-Chain

    Activities or transactions that take place outside the blockchain network, often to reduce congestion or costs, while still being validated later on-chain.

  • Off-Chain Governance

    A governance model where decisions regarding the direction of a blockchain or crypto project are made off-chain, such as through off-chain voting or agreements.

  • Omnichain

    A blockchain design where multiple chains can interact seamlessly, enabling assets or data to flow between different blockchain networks.

  • On-Chain

    Transactions or activities that occur directly on the blockchain network and are recorded in its public ledger.

  • On-Chain Governance

    A governance model where decisions regarding protocol changes or network upgrades are made through on-chain voting or consensus.

  • Open Finance (OpenFi)

    A financial ecosystem based on decentralised protocols that aim to provide financial services to anyone, anywhere, without intermediaries.

  • Open Source

    Software whose source code is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute, which is common in many blockchain projects.

  • OpenSea

    A popular peer-to-peer marketplace for buying, selling, and discovering NFTs, including digital art, collectibles, and virtual assets.

  • Optimistic Rollup

    A layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum that improves transaction throughput by assuming transactions are valid until proven otherwise.

  • Oracles

    External data providers that feed real-world data into blockchain smart contracts, enabling them to interact with off-chain events.

  • Order Book

    A list of buy and sell orders for a particular asset on a trading platform, helping to determine the market price based on supply and demand.

  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading

    A form of trading that happens outside of traditional exchanges, allowing for large trades to be executed privately.

P

  • P2P Bridge

    A peer-to-peer network or platform that connects different blockchain ecosystems or markets, enabling cross-chain transactions.

  • P2P Trading

    Trading where users buy and sell directly to each other without an intermediary, facilitated by smart contracts or decentralised platforms.

  • Parachain

    A blockchain that is connected to a main chain (like Polkadot or Kusama) and can share security and data.

  • Peer-to-Peer (P2P)

    A decentralized network structure where users interact and transact directly with each other without intermediaries.

  • Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending

    A system where individuals lend and borrow cryptocurrency or fiat directly from each other, typically facilitated by a decentralised platform.

  • Perpetual Contracts

    A type of derivative contract that has no expiry date, commonly used in cryptocurrency trading to speculate on the price of assets.

  • Perpetual Futures

    A type of futures contract without a set expiration date, allowing traders to hold positions indefinitely.

  • Phishing

    A fraudulent attempt to acquire sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity, commonly targeting crypto wallet keys or exchange credentials.

  • Play-to-Earn (Play2Earn)

    A model in gaming where players can earn cryptocurrency or assets as they play, often in the form of NFTs or tokens.

  • Plutus (Cardano)

    A smart contract platform on the Cardano blockchain, used to create decentralised applications (DApps) and financial contracts.

  • Ponzi Scheme

    A fraudulent investment scheme that pays returns to earlier investors using the capital of new investors, often leading to collapse.

  • Portfolio

    A collection of investments or assets held by an individual or institution, including cryptocurrency holdings.

  • Private Key - Secret Key

    A cryptographic key used to access and manage cryptocurrency funds, must be kept secret to prevent unauthorized access.

  • Proof of Stake

    A consensus mechanism where validators are chosen to create new blocks based on the amount of cryptocurrency they stake as collateral.

  • Proof of Work

    A consensus mechanism where participants (miners) solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and create new blocks.

  • Protocol Layer

    The underlying framework or infrastructure of a blockchain network, which handles consensus, data storage, and transaction validation.

  • Public Blockchain

    A blockchain that is open to anyone to read and participate in, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.

  • Public Key

    A cryptographic key used to receive cryptocurrency; it is derived from a private key and can be shared publicly.

  • Pump & Dump

    A fraudulent practice where the price of an asset is artificially inflated (pumped) and then sold off (dumped) for a profit.

  • Pure Proof of Stake (PPoS)

    A consensus mechanism where participants validate blocks based solely on the amount of cryptocurrency they stake, with no need for energy-intensive work.

Q

  • Quantum Bit (Qubit)

    The basic unit of quantum information in quantum computing, which could have significant implications for cryptography.

  • Quorum (Governance)

    The minimum number of participants required to validate or approve a decision or transaction in a governance system.

R

  • Raiden Network

    A scaling solution for the Ethereum blockchain that uses off-chain transactions for faster and cheaper microtransactions.

  • Ransomware

    A type of malicious software that encrypts a user's files, demanding payment (often in cryptocurrency) to restore access.

  • Rebasing

    A mechanism used by certain cryptocurrencies where the supply of tokens is adjusted periodically to maintain a specific value or peg.

  • Rehypothecation

    The practice of using collateral from one borrower to secure other loans, commonly in DeFi lending or borrowing platforms.

  • Rekt

    Slang for “wrecked,” used in the crypto community to describe losing all or a significant portion of an investment, often due to poor trades or market conditions.

  • Relay Chain

    The main chain in a multi-chain network like Polkadot, which connects various parachains and facilitates communication and interoperability.

  • Remittance

    The transfer of money, often internationally, typically between individuals; cryptocurrencies are increasingly used for low-cost remittances.

  • Reputation Score

    A metric used in decentralized networks to measure the trustworthiness or reliability of an individual, node, or project.

  • Reward Token

    A token distributed to users as a reward for participating in activities such as staking, liquidity provision, or governance in decentralized platforms.

  • Risk Management

    The process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, particularly in trading and investing in volatile markets like cryptocurrency.

  • Rug Pull

    A type of scam in the crypto world where developers of a project suddenly withdraw all liquidity or funds from the project, leaving investors with worthless tokens.

S

  • Satoshi Nakamoto

    The pseudonymous creator(s) of Bitcoin, whose identity remains unknown, and the person or group who introduced blockchain technology to the world.

  • Scalability

    The capability of a blockchain network to handle a growing number of transactions or users without compromising speed or cost.

  • Scalability Trilemma

    The theory that it’s impossible for a blockchain to simultaneously achieve scalability, decentralization, and security, with a trade-off needed between them.

  • Scam

    A fraudulent scheme designed to deceive individuals for financial gain, common in the cryptocurrency space through phishing, rug pulls, and Ponzi schemes.

  • Security Token Offering (STO)

    A fundraising method where tokens representing real-world assets (like shares or bonds) are sold to investors under strict regulatory compliance.

  • Seed Phrase

    A sequence of words used to back up and restore a cryptocurrency wallet, often consisting of 12 to 24 words.

  • Self Custody

    The practice of controlling and managing one's own private keys, rather than relying on a third party like an exchange or wallet service.

  • Sharding

    A scalability solution that breaks a blockchain into smaller, more manageable parts (shards), allowing for parallel processing of transactions.

  • Short

    The act of selling an asset in anticipation of its price falling, allowing the seller to buy it back at a lower price for a profit.

  • Short Squeeze

    A situation in which an asset's price rapidly increases, forcing traders who were shorting the asset to buy back in at a loss, further driving the price up.

  • Smart Contract

    A self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement directly written into lines of code on the blockchain, automating transactions or agreements.

  • Smart Contract Audit

    A review process to examine the code of a smart contract for vulnerabilities or flaws before it is deployed on a blockchain.

  • Smart Contract Platform

    A blockchain platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts, such as Ethereum, Solana, or Cardano.

  • Smart Token

    A cryptocurrency token that is programmable or can be manipulated through smart contracts to facilitate complex financial or operational functions.

  • Solidity

    A programming language used to write smart contracts on Ethereum and other EVM-compatible blockchains.

  • Spot Trading

    The buying and selling of assets in the spot market, typically for immediate settlement.

  • Stablecoin

    A cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, often pegged to a fiat currency like USD to reduce volatility.

  • Staking

    The act of holding and locking cryptocurrencies in a wallet to support the operations and security of a blockchain, often earning rewards.

  • Staking Pool

    A group of stakers who combine their resources to participate in staking and share the rewards.

  • Supply Chain Attack

    An attack targeting a cryptocurrency project's supply chain, often involving exploitation of a trusted third party.

T

  • T-Address (Zcash)

    A type of address on the Zcash blockchain that supports private transactions.

  • Tamper-Proof Ledger

    A blockchain that is designed to prevent unauthorized changes to its recorded data.

  • Tangle

    A term used for the structure underlying IOTA's distributed ledger technology, which uses a directed acyclic graph (DAG) instead of a traditional blockchain.

  • Taproot

    A Bitcoin upgrade that enhances privacy, scalability, and flexibility for smart contracts.

  • Technical Analysis - Trend Analysis (TA)

    The study of historical price movements and market data to predict future price trends in cryptocurrency markets.

  • Technical Indicators

    Metrics and indicators, such as moving averages and RSI, used to analyze and forecast cryptocurrency price trends.

  • Testnet

    A blockchain environment used for testing new features or updates before they are deployed to the main (production) network.

  • The DAO

    A decentralised autonomous organization, typically governed by smart contracts, where decision-making is done through voting.

  • The Merge (Ethereum 2.0)

    Ethereum’s upgrade to Ethereum 2.0, transitioning from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS) to improve scalability and energy efficiency.

  • Ticker Symbol

    The short abbreviation or code used to represent a crypto asset, stock, or other financial instrument (e.g., ETH for Ethereum).

  • Token

    A digital asset created and managed on a blockchain.

  • Token Economy

    A system where digital tokens are used to incentivise, govern, and facilitate transactions in a network.

  • Token Generation Event (TGE)

    An event where new tokens are created and distributed to investors or users, often as part of a project launch.

  • Token Sale

    A fundraising method where tokens are sold to the public or investors, usually to fund a project.

  • Token Swap

    The exchange of one type of token for another, often through a decentralised exchange or smart contract.

  • Tokenomics

    The study and design of the economic model behind a token, including its issuance, supply, and utility.

  • Total Supply

    The total number of a cryptocurrency or token in existence, including those in circulation and reserved.

  • Total Value Locked (TVL)

    The total amount of capital held within a decentralised finance (DeFi) protocol, often used to measure liquidity.

  • Transaction Fee

    A fee paid to miners or validators to process a transaction on the blockchain.

  • Transactions Per Second (TPS)

    A metric used to measure the number of transactions a blockchain can process per second.

U

  • Unbanked

    Refers to individuals or populations without access to traditional banking services or institutions.

  • Unconfirmed

    A transaction that has been broadcast to the network but has not yet been included in a block.

  • UNI Token

    The governance token of the Uniswap decentralised exchange, used for voting on protocol changes.

  • Unpermissioned Ledger

    A ledger that is open for anyone to participate in, with no restrictions on who can access or alter data.

  • Unregulated

    Refers to markets or activities that operate without oversight or regulation from governmental authorities.

  • Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO)

    The output of a transaction that has not yet been spent, effectively acting as the balance of a wallet.

  • US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

    A U.S. government agency that enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries and individuals.

  • Utility Mining

    A process where users participate in network activities (e.g., staking, liquidity provision) to earn tokens.

  • Utility Token

    A digital token used to access or pay for services within a blockchain ecosystem or platform.

V

  • Validator

    A participant in a blockchain network who validates transactions and ensures the security of the system.

  • Virtual Automated Market Makers (vAMMs)

    DeFi protocol that uses automated algorithms to facilitate trading without traditional order books.

  • Vitalik Buterin

    Co-founder of Ethereum, a leading blockchain platform known for enabling smart contracts and decentralised apps.

  • Volatility

    A measure of the price fluctuations of an asset over time, often used to assess risk.

  • Volume

    The amount of a particular asset traded over a given period, reflecting market activity.

W

  • Wallet

    A digital tool used to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies securely.

  • Wash Trade

    A market manipulation strategy where an investor buys and sells the same asset to create the illusion of high volume.

  • Web 3.0

    The next generation of the internet, focused on decentralisation, blockchain, and user empowerment.

  • Web3 Foundation

    An organisation promoting the development of decentralised technologies and the Web3 ecosystem.

  • Whale

    A term for individuals or entities that hold a large amount of a particular cryptocurrency.

  • Whitepaper

    A detailed document outlining the technical and business aspects of a cryptocurrency project.

X

  • x86 Virtual Machine (Qtum)

    A virtual machine that runs smart contracts in the Qtum blockchain ecosystem using x86 architecture.

  • XBT

    A symbol used for Bitcoin, often seen in exchange and financial contexts.

Y

  • Yield Farming

    A process where cryptocurrency holders earn rewards or interest by providing liquidity to DeFi platforms.

  • Yield Sensitivity

    The degree to which an asset’s return changes in response to changes in interest rates or economic conditions.

  • YTD

    Year-To-Date, a measure used to compare performance or statistics from the start of the current year to the present.

Z

  • Zero Knowledge Proof

    A cryptographic method that allows one party to prove they know something without revealing any details.

  • Zero Knowledge Rollup

    A layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum that increases transaction throughput using zero-knowledge proofs.

  • Zk-SNARKs

    A specific type of zero-knowledge proof used for privacy and scalability in blockchain networks.

  • zkApps

    Decentralised applications built using zero-knowledge proofs, ensuring privacy and scalability.

  • zkOracle

    A system that provides off-chain data to smart contracts in a privacy-preserving manner using zero-knowledge proofs.

  • zkSharding

    A technique for improving blockchain scalability by partitioning data across multiple shards using zk-SNARKs.