Glossary

Learn all of the most important Crypto, DeFi & Web3 terms and jargon here.
5
  • 51% AttackEntity with majority network power manipulates transactions.
a
  • Account AbstractionExtending account functionality in blockchain technology.
  • AirdropDistribution of free tokens as a promotional strategy.
  • AMM – Automated Market MakerMechanism for automatic trading of assets on decentralized exchanges.
  • AppchainsSpecialized blockchain networks for specific applications.
  • AT1 BondsHybrid debt instrument issued by financial institutions.
  • ATOM Economic ZoneAn interconnected system of specialised appchains at the centre of the Cosmos ecosystem
b
  • BlockchainA digital database that has revolutionised how transactions work. It intends to provide a safe and secure mode of transacting by using digital cryptocurrencies that cannot be manipulated by anyone.
  • Blockchain CommunicationSecure data exchange in a blockchain network.
c
  • CeDeFiHybrid of centralized and decentralized financial systems.
  • Censorship ResistanceInability to stop usage of a protocol.
  • Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)Digital version of a country’s fiat currency issued by the central bank.
  • Cold WalletA device which stores cryptocurrency private keys offline
  • CollateralisationAsset security for loans or transactions.
  • CommodityA a digital asset’s role as a store of value or its utility within a blockchain network
  • Cross-chain bridgeOne of blockchain’s many benefits is that it is a secure, self-contained ledger. However, this means that the networks do not typically interact with each other.
d
  • DankshardingA sharding design that implements the concept of a merged market fee
  • DAOBlockchain-based organization using smart contracts for decision-making.
  • Decentralised Exchange (DEX)Cryptocurrency exchange on blockchain, trades assets without intermediaries.
  • Decentralised Order BookA trading mechanism where buy and sell orders are matched through a distributed network of nodes
  • Decentralised Science (DeSci)A scientific approach where information and data are shared openly and transparently. This allows for a more collaborative and democratic approach to scientific research.
  • DeflationaryA decrease in coin supply, enhancing value and scarcity over time.
  • Distributed Validator Technology (DVT)A system where the process of validating or confirming information is spread out
e
  • EIP-1559Ethereum upgrade to improve transaction fees, network efficiency.
  • EthereumA decentralized open-source blockchain network that enables users to make transactions and trades, stake tokens, play games, and utilize NFTs.
  • Ethereum Improvement ProposalsStandards that specify potential new features or processes for the Ethereum network
  • Ethereum Request for Comment (ERC)A formal proposal or standardisation document that outlines a specific improvement or extension for the Ethereum blockchain
  • Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)Runtime environment on Ethereum for executing smart contracts.
  • Exchange-Traded FundsAn ETF is a diversified, stock market-listed, easily traded investment fund.
f
  • FlatcoinA stablecoin that grows together with inflation
  • Fraud ProofA technical method in blockchain that enables scalability through sharding of larger blocks
g
  • GameFiGaming meets DeFi; players earn, trade, invest in digital assets.
  • Gas FeeFee paid to execute a transaction on blockchain.
h
  • Hard ForkMajor divergence in a blockchain network’s protocol.
  • Hardware WalletA physical device designed to store digital currencies.
i
  • ICOA fundraising process undertaken by cryptocurrency projects to raise capital publicly.
  • Inflationary CryptocurrenciesDesigned with a mechanism to gradually increase the total supply of coins over time
  • InteroperabilityConfidential validation of info without revealing the info.
l
m
  • Market MakerHigh-volume traders that provide liquidity.
  • MemecoinCryptocurrency driven by social media trends and viral memes.
  • Merkle TreeMerkle trees organise and verify data efficiently in distributed systems.
  • MEVPotential profit miners can obtain by manipulating transaction order.
  • Modular BlockchainFlexible architecture with interchangeable components.
n
o
  • Optimistic RollupScalability solution batching multiple transactions off-chain.
  • OracleExternal entity providing data to a blockchain network.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC)Trading assets directly, without centralized exchange, offers flexibility.
p
  • Privacy CoinsCryptos with enhanced privacy features, for user anonymity.
  • Proof of HistorySolana’s mechanism for chronological order of events.
  • Proof of StakeBlockchain consensus algorithm based on coin holdings.
  • Proof of WorkBlockchain consensus algorithm where miners solve puzzles.
q
r
  • Regenerative Finance (ReFi)Financial practices aligning with sustainability and equity.
  • Replicated SecurityRedundant security measures in a distributed system.
  • RestakingStaking identical tokens on the main blockchain and other protocols allows users to simultaneously secure multiple networks.
  • Rug pullAbrupt abandonment of a project, leading to investor loss.
s
t
  • TetherA stablecoin with its value is pegged to the US dollar.
  • The Howey-TestLegal test for determining investment contracts.
  • The Solana EcosystemProjects, applications, services on Solana blockchain.
  • Token BurningPermanent removal of crypto tokens from circulation.
  • TokenomicsEconomic principles governing a cryptocurrency.
  • Total Value Locked (TVL)A common measure used to evaluate the value of digital assets
  • TrustlessSystems like blockchains eliminate reliance on central authorities.
v
  • ValidatorEntity verifying transactions and maintaining network integrity in PoS.
  • Vampire AttackA strategy employed to siphon users and liquidity away.
w
  • Web3Evolution of the internet towards a decentralized ecosystem.
  • White Hat HackA practice where hackers legally and ethically assess and evaluate security
  • WhitepaperDetailed document outlining a project or cryptocurrency concept.
z
  • Zero-Knowledge ProofConfidential validation of info without revealing the info.
  • zk-rollupsLayer 2 scaling solutions using zero-knowledge proofs.