The most important terms in cryptospace.

A method where users are rewarded for providing liquidity on DeFi platforms.

A smart contract-based pool into which users deposit cryptocurrencies to provide trading liquidity.

A user who deposits their cryptocurrencies into a liquidity pool and receives transaction fees or rewards in return.

A form of staking where cryptocurrencies are locked for a fixed period to support network functions and earn rewards.

A trading strategy that bets on the price of an asset rising.

The active blockchain network where real transactions take place – as opposed to a testnet.

The official launch of a blockchain's main network after a development and testing phase.

A fee model for exchanges where "makers" (who provide liquidity) pay lower fees than "takers" (who consume liquidity).

The total value of an asset, calculated as price multiplied by the number of existing units.

An actor in financial markets who continuously provides buy and sell offers to promote trading and liquidity.

A special network node in a blockchain that often takes on additional functions, such as governance or fast transactions.

The maximum number of coins or tokens that will ever exist for a cryptocurrency.

A collection of transactions that have not yet been added to the blockchain and are awaiting confirmation.

A cryptographic proof that demonstrates the membership of a data element in a dataset without revealing the entire dataset.

A digital space combining virtual reality, blockchain technology and the internet – often used for digital identities and assets.

A very small payment, usually used for digital content or services – made possible by low-cost blockchain transactions.

Mining refers to the process of processing, securing and synchronising transactions in a decentralised blockchain system. It is an essential component of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, enabling both the creation of new coins and the validation of transactions.

A metric that indicates how difficult it is to mine a new block – influenced by network activity.

A data centre with specialised mining equipment that mines cryptocurrencies on a large scale.

A group of miners who pool their computing power to increase the chances of receiving mining rewards.

A computer specifically configured for mining cryptocurrencies – can consist of GPUs, CPUs or ASICs.

Programs that run on a computer to perform mining tasks and enable participation in mining pools.

A sequence of words that serves as a backup for a wallet – allows access to the wallet if the private key is lost.

A term in the crypto community for a rapid, strong price increase of a cryptocurrency.

The ability of a blockchain ecosystem to connect multiple different blockchains and facilitate exchange between them.

A wallet that requires multiple signatures before a transaction is approved – increases security and control over funds.

The primary token of a blockchain, used for transaction fees, governance or other network functions.

A fee for carrying out transactions on a blockchain, paid to miners or validators to maintain the security and functionality of the network.

An NFT is a Non-Fungible Token – a unique digital asset stored on a blockchain, often used for digital art, collectibles or other non-interchangeable goods.

A person who owns no cryptocurrencies and is sceptical or critical of their value and future.

A computer or device connected to a blockchain network that verifies and relays transactions, contributing to the decentralisation and security of the network.

A number used only once in cryptographic calculations, particularly in verifying a block on the blockchain.

A beginner in the crypto world with little experience in digital currencies and blockchain technology.

Transactions or processes that take place outside the blockchain to improve scalability and reduce fees – often secured by on-chain mechanisms.

A system where changes to the blockchain or its protocol are decided directly through votes within the network.

Software whose source code is publicly accessible and can be reviewed, modified and used by the community – promotes transparency and innovation.

The challenge of integrating external data into a blockchain without compromising security or decentralisation – important for smart contracts.

A register of all buy and sell offers for an asset on an exchange – shows market activity and liquidity.

A direct trade between two parties without using a public exchange – often used for large transactions to avoid market impact.

The part of a blockchain transaction that specifies the amount and recipient of the cryptocurrency being sent.

A state in which an asset is overvalued due to excessive buying, making a correction appear likely.

The opposite of overbought – a state in which an asset appears undervalued due to high selling activity.

The equality or exchange ratio between different currencies or assets – often used in relation to stablecoins.

A blockchain with restricted access, where a central authority determines who may participate – mostly used in enterprises.

An open blockchain where anyone can participate and validate transactions without permission – promotes decentralisation.

A fraudulent scheme in which returns are funded by capital from new investors rather than through legitimate profits.

Protection against attacks by quantum computers; cryptographic algorithms designed to withstand such attacks.

Malicious software that encrypts files and demands a ransom – often payable in cryptocurrencies.

The transfer of money across national borders – cryptocurrencies enable cheap and fast transactions.

A cryptocurrency pegged to a stable reference such as a fiat currency or commodities, to minimise price fluctuations.

The process of permanently removing tokens from circulation, often to reduce supply and promote price stability.

A method of converting real-world assets or rights into digital tokens to facilitate their trading and management.

An event where a crypto project sells new tokens, usually as part of an ICO, IEO or IDO to raise capital.

The exchange of one token for another, often via exchanges or smart contracts.

The total value of all cryptocurrencies locked in a DeFi protocol or platform – a measure of its size and activity.

A fee charged for carrying out a transaction on a blockchain.

A system that operates without the need to trust a central authority, relying instead on mathematical proofs or blockchain technology.

The ability of a system to perform any computable task – important for smart contract platforms.

People who have no access to traditional banking services – a target group for crypto financial solutions.

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

The base asset that determines the value of a financial instrument – in the crypto world often a token representing a real-world asset.

A standardised unit of measure for valuing goods, services or assets – used in the crypto world to measure the value of investments.

A token that provides access to a company's services or products, not primarily intended as an investment.

A digital wallet for storing and managing cryptocurrencies – can exist as a hot wallet (online) or cold wallet (offline).

A person or institution that holds large amounts of a cryptocurrency and can thereby influence the market.

A cryptographic method where one party can prove a statement is true without revealing any further information – enhances privacy in blockchain transactions.