Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Examples include Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Ripple (XRP).

The process of creating a digital representation (token) of a physical or intangible asset on a blockchain. This allows fractional ownership, trading, and transfer of assets like real estate, art, or commodities, enabling greater liquidity and access to investments.

The first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created by an anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009. Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network using blockchain technology.

A decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across many computers in a way that the registered transactions cannot be altered retroactively. It is the underlying technology for most cryptocurrencies.

A method of storing cryptocurrencies offline, typically in hardware wallets, to protect them from hacks or unauthorized access.

Networks that use blockchain to decentralize the management of physical infrastructure, enabling collaborative operation among stakeholders without centralized control.

An organization governed by smart contracts and code rather than human managers, allowing members to vote on decisions in a decentralized manner.

A movement aimed at creating financial services and products on the blockchain to be used by anyone without reliance on traditional banks. Examples include decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, and stablecoins.

A platform that combines multiple decentralized finance (DeFi) services into a single interface, allowing users to access a variety of financial products (e.g., lending, borrowing, trading) across different protocols, simplifying the DeFi experience.

A system where data is stored across multiple locations or nodes in a decentralized network, as opposed to centralized servers. This enhances security, privacy, and control over data, making it resistant to censorship and hacks.

A decentralized platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps) to be built and run without any downtime, fraud, or interference. Ethereum also has its own cryptocurrency, called Ether.

A platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies. Exchanges can be centralized (CEX) or decentralized (DEX).

A change in a blockchain's protocol that can create a split in the blockchain into two separate paths. Forks can be "hard" (permanent divergence) or "soft" (backward-compatible upgrade).

Fees paid by users to compensate miners or validators for the computational work of processing transactions on a blockchain, especially on Ethereum.

An event where the reward for mining new blocks is halved, reducing the rate at which new coins are created. Bitcoin halving occurs approximately every four years.

A fundraising method used by cryptocurrency startups to raise capital by selling a new cryptocurrency or token to early investors, similar to an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in traditional finance.

The ease with which an asset, such as cryptocurrency, can be quickly bought or sold in the market without affecting its price. High liquidity indicates a more stable market.

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

The process of validating transactions and adding them to the blockchain. Miners use powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems, and in return, they earn new cryptocurrency as a reward.

A blockchain framework that separates functions into different layers, enhancing scalability and customization. Examples include Optimism and Layer 2 technologies.

A unified blockchain system that combines all operations (transactions, storage, consensus) in one layer, which can limit scalability. Examples include Bitcoin and pre-upgrade Ethereum.

A unique digital asset representing ownership of a specific item, such as art, music, or virtual real estate, on the blockchain. Unlike cryptocurrencies, NFTs are not interchangeable with each other.

The use of machine learning and statistical algorithms to analyze historical data and make predictions about future events. In the context of blockchain, it can be used for market forecasting, risk assessment, and enhancing smart contract functionalities.

A cryptographic key that allows users to access their cryptocurrency and make transactions. It must be kept secret as it grants ownership and control over the associated funds.

A consensus mechanism where validators (instead of miners) are chosen to create new blocks based on the number of coins they hold and are willing to "stake" as collateral.

A consensus mechanism used by many cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, where miners solve computational puzzles to validate transactions and create new blocks.

A cryptographic key that is shared publicly and allows others to send cryptocurrency to a wallet. It is mathematically linked to the private key.

Self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. They automatically execute and enforce actions according to predefined rules.

A type of cryptocurrency that is pegged to a stable asset, such as the US Dollar, to reduce volatility. Examples include Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC).

The process of participating in the validation of transactions on a blockchain that uses a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. Users "stake" their cryptocurrency as collateral to become validators and earn rewards.

A digital asset created on an existing blockchain, often representing a utility or security within a specific ecosystem. Tokens can be fungible or non-fungible.

A digital tool (software or hardware) that stores your private and public keys and allows you to send, receive, and store cryptocurrencies.

An individual or entity that holds a large amount of cryptocurrency, enough to potentially influence market prices.