List of Cryptocurrency Terms

A-Z Glossary of Cryptocurrency Terms

Cryptocurrency has given rise to lots of new terms. Here is a list of cryptocurrency- and blockchain-related terms.
a list of cryptocurrency terms
If you know a term we've missed, please tell us using this form.
TermDefinitionMeaning
1hr1 HourData for the past hour.
24hr2h HoursData for the past 24 hours.
30d30 DaysData for the past 30 days.
7d7 DaysData for the past 7 days.
Algo-TradingAlgorithmic TradingAutomated trading system where buy and sell orders are placed according to the rules of a computer program or algorithm.
AltcoinsAlternative CoinsCryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin (e.g., Ether, Litecoin, Monero, Namecoin).
AMOsAlgorithmic Market OperationsAutomatically controlled supply of algorithmic stablecoins.
Algorithmic StablecoinsStable Cryptocurrencies Based on an AlgorithmCryptocurrencies based on an algorithm which can issue more coins when its price increases and buy them off the market when the price decreases.
ATHAll-Time HighThe highest point that a cryptocurrency has been in history.
ATLAll-Time LowThe lowest point that a cryptocurrency has been in history.
AMLAnti-Money LaunderingThe laws, regulations, and procedures intended to prevent criminals from disguising illegally obtained funds as legitimate income.
AMLD5Anti-Money Laundering Directive NÂș 5The European Union's 5th anti-money laundering directive.
APIApplication Programming InterfaceSet of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications.
ASICApplication-Specific Integrated CircuitDevice designed for mining cryptocurrencies.
BagholderShareholder Left Holding Worthless AssetsAn investor who holds on to stocks, shares, tokens or coins despite a drop in value.
BearNegative MarketA market in which prices are falling.
BitcoinType of CryptocurrencyCreated and released in 2009 by an anonymous figure known as Satoshi Nakamoto.
BlockchainOnline LedgerPublic ledger in which events (e.g., cryptocurrency transactions) are recorded.
BTFDBuy the F*cking DipA recommendation to to buy a cryptocurrency when the price is low.
BullPositive MarketA market in which prices are rising.
CryptocurrencyDigital or Virtual CurrencyCryptocurrencies are designed to work as a medium of exchange in place of official currencies. They use cryptography to secure transactions, control the creation of additional units, and to verify the transfer of assets.
dAPIDecentralized APIAPI services that are intrinsically interoperable with blockchain technology.
DDDue DiligenceAn appropriately detailed study performed to confirm facts or details before entering into a proposed transaction.
Diamond HandsSomeone who Holds Assets AdamantlyInvestors who hold their position and refuse to sell, even if prices drop or offer quick gains.
DYORDo Your Own ResearchA warning to would-be investors to complete due diligence before investing.
ETFExchange Traded FundMarketable security that tracks an index, commodity, bonds, or a basket of assets and trades on stock exchanges.
ETHEtherThe native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum open-source blockchain.
FiatGovernment Supported CurrencyMoney certified by a government as legal tender, accepted in payment of both public and private debts.
FishSmall InvestorSomeone who holds a small amount of cryptocurrency.
FTXCryptocurrency Exchange FirmBahamas-based cryptocurrency exchange that filed for bankruptcy in November 2022.
FUDFear, Uncertainty and DoubtThe perceived strategy to negatively influence perception of cryptocurrencies.
FudsterCritic of CryptocurrenciesAnyone who negatively comments on cryptocurrencies, thereby engaging in the spreading of fear, uncertainty and doubt.
FungibleMutually InterchangeableAn item (such as cryptocurrency) that is essentially indistinguishable from another and is equivalent in value.
Gay BearType of InvestorAn investor who expects to profit from a drop in price.
HODLHold On For Dear LifeA recommendation to an investor in cryptocurrency to maintain their investment, even if the value is dropping dramatically.
ICOInitial Coin OfferingA crowdfunding mechanism by which some start-up companies raise capital, issuing "tokens" in exchange for legal tender or other cryptocurrencies.
MiningVerifying Blockchain TransactionsA process in which blocks are added to a blockchain, thereby verifying transactions. It is also the process through which new some cryptocurrency coins are created.
No-CoinerNon-Believer in CryptocurrenciesA person who does not hold cryptocurrencies and who insists that they have little value and/or are doomed to fail.
NFTNon-Fungible TokenA unique entry on a blockchain, which can represent items that cannot be replicated (such as original works of digital art, original songs, unique images, trading cards, etc).
RektWreckedA slang term for an investor in a cryptocurrency who has lost everything because of a drop in the value of their holdings.
SatoshiUnit of BitcoinThe smallest unit of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
ScamcoinFake CryptocurrencyCryptocurrencies created to make money for the creator by stealing from investors.
ShillingHyping CryptocurrencyHeavily promoting a cryptocurrency, often with no regard for the quality of the product.
ShitcoinCryptocurrency Likely to FailA derogatory term for poor value cryptocurrencies that are likely to fail.
StablecoinsCryptocurrencies with Value Pegged to an External ReferenceStablecoins are designed to be less volatile than cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
TUSDTrue US DollarTUSD is a cryptocurrency stablecoin, the value of which is pegged to the US dollar (USD) at the rate of one TUSD token to one USD.
USDCUSD CoinUSD Coin is a cryptocurrency stablecoin, the value of which is pegged to the US dollar (USD) at the rate of one USDC token to one USD.
USDTTetherTether is a cryptocurrency stablecoin, the value of which is pegged to the US dollar (USD) at the rate of one USDT token to one USD.
Weak HandsNervous InvestorsInvestors who are easily scared by market fluctuations and sell when prices drop, thereby causing further drops in value.
WeiSmallest Fraction of EtherOne Ether equals 1000000000000000000 Wei.

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