Blockchain & Web3 Glossary

The 2018 Crypto Winter was a major market crash that led to prolonged bearish sentiment in the blockchain and crypto space.

Aave is a decentralized lending and borrowing protocol built on Ethereum and other blockchains.

Aave DAO is the decentralized governance body that controls upgrades and decisions for the Aave protocol.

The ABI defines how smart contracts interact externally by specifying available functions and their parameters.

A design pattern in Ethereum that separates account logic from the protocol, enabling customizable user accounts and flexible transaction validation.

The account model is a blockchain data structure that tracks balances by accounts rather than unspent outputs.

A ledger model used by blockchains like Ethereum where each account holds balances and smart contract state.

A dynamic sharding technique used in blockchains to optimize scalability by adjusting shard structures based on demand.

A blockchain address is a unique identifier that allows users to send and receive digital assets on a blockchain.

A widely used symmetric encryption algorithm adopted by blockchain platforms for secure data protection.

A system or protocol that collects and consolidates data from multiple sources, often used in oracles and DeFi tools.

AI and blockchain integration combines automation with decentralization to create secure, intelligent, and trustless systems.

An airdrop is the free distribution of cryptocurrency tokens to wallet addresses, often used for marketing, community growth, or decentralization.

A method of distributing cryptocurrency tokens to users, often used for promotional purposes or as part of a decentralized network's launch strategy.

Airdrop distribution is the process of sending free tokens to users' wallets to promote a crypto project or reward participation.

Alchemy is a Web3 developer platform that provides APIs and infrastructure tools to build blockchain applications.

The use of encoded rules and algorithms to automate decision-making in blockchain protocols and DAOs.

Algorithmic stablecoins use smart contracts and supply algorithms to maintain a stable value without collateral.

An AMM pool is a smart contract-based liquidity pool that facilitates decentralized trading without traditional order books.

A once-popular DeFi savings protocol on Terra that offered high-yield interest on stablecoin deposits.

A property of systems that improve in response to stress, volatility, or disorder, applied to resilient blockchain ecosystems.

A web address that allows users and applications to interact with blockchain data and execute remote procedure calls.

A decentralized oracle protocol that enables first-party APIs to feed data directly to smart contracts.

A blockchain optimized for a single decentralized application, enabling custom performance and governance features.

A custom-built blockchain designed to serve a single application or use case with tailored performance and governance.

An automated trading script that exploits price discrepancies across exchanges or blockchains to generate profit.

A mathematical representation used to encode computations in zero-knowledge proofs and zk-SNARKs.

A communication pattern where messages are sent without requiring an immediate response, common in cross-chain protocols.

Atomic clock synchronization ensures precise timekeeping in blockchain networks, critical for consensus and transaction ordering.

A smart contract technology enabling the exchange of cryptocurrencies from different blockchains without intermediaries.

Atomic swaps are smart contract-based exchanges that allow users to trade cryptocurrencies across different blockchains without the need for centralized intermediaries.

A signed confirmation verifying a claim or event, used in identity, staking, and cross-chain communication.

A process used in blockchains to allocate scarce resources like block space, validator slots, or token distribution.

A thorough security review of blockchain smart contracts to identify vulnerabilities before deployment.

The ability of a system to provide transparent and verifiable records for review, essential in blockchain governance and compliance.

Smart contract-based systems that execute governance decisions programmatically without human intervention.

A decentralized exchange mechanism that uses mathematical formulas to price assets and facilitate trading without order books.

A self-executing entity on the blockchain that acts independently based on pre-programmed logic and environmental inputs.

A blockchain component responsible for ensuring that transaction data is accessible and verifiable by all nodes.

A custom virtual machine developed for Arbitrum rollups to optimize smart contract execution.

A type of MEV strategy where a bot places a transaction immediately after a known profitable one to capture residual gains.

A technique used in blockchain to group multiple transactions into a single operation, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

The foundational PoS consensus layer of Ethereum 2.0, coordinating validators and block proposals across the network.

A token standard on Binance Smart Chain (BSC) similar to Ethereum’s ERC-20, defining rules for fungible tokens.

A phase in the development cycle of blockchain software or protocols where early users test new features before full release.

A property of cryptographic protocols ensuring randomness or outcomes can't be unfairly influenced or predicted.

A high-performance blockchain developed by Binance offering EVM compatibility and fast, low-cost transactions.

The smallest unit of digital information, used in computing and cryptography to represent binary states.

The first and most widely used cryptocurrency, created by Satoshi Nakamoto to enable decentralized digital payments.

A hard fork of Bitcoin designed to enable faster and cheaper transactions through larger block sizes.

A belief system that holds Bitcoin as the only legitimate cryptocurrency, rejecting altcoins and newer blockchains.

A technique used to reduce the size of blockchain blocks by eliminating redundant or unnecessary data.

The number of blocks added to the blockchain after a specific block, used to measure finality and security.

A web-based tool that allows users to view and analyze blockchain data, including transactions, blocks, and addresses.

Block halving is a scheduled event in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin where mining rewards are reduced by 50% to control coin issuance and inflation.

Metadata at the start of a blockchain block containing crucial information like hashes, timestamps, and Merkle roots.

The number of blocks preceding a particular block in a blockchain, indicating its position in the chain.

The numerical position of a block within a blockchain, used to track the chain’s length and transaction history.

The process of distributing newly mined blocks across nodes in a blockchain network.

The process of distributing newly mined or validated blocks to all nodes in a blockchain network.

A block reward is the cryptocurrency given to miners or validators for adding a new block to the blockchain in Proof of Work or Proof of Stake systems.

The compensation given to miners or validators for adding a new block to the blockchain.

The maximum amount of data that a single block in a blockchain can contain.

Blockchain is a distributed and immutable ledger technology used to securely record transactions across decentralized networks.

A web-based interface that allows users to view and search real-time blockchain data such as transactions and blocks.

The processes and rules that determine how changes are made to blockchain protocols and how decisions are enforced.

The ability of different blockchain networks to communicate and exchange data or assets securely and seamlessly.

A multi-layered approach to ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of blockchain networks and data.

A scalability technique that splits a blockchain’s data and processing across multiple shards to improve performance.

The process by which nodes download and validate blockchain data to stay updated with the latest network state.

A signed, verifiable action on a blockchain that alters the network state, such as sending tokens or calling a contract.

A change or improvement to the rules or software of a blockchain network, often through forks or governance votes.

A blockchain architecture where blocks form a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG), allowing parallel validation and greater scalability.

The maximum amount of data that a block can contain, directly influencing transaction throughput and network performance.

A mathematical formula that defines token pricing based on supply, often used in DAOs, token sales, and DeFi markets.

A cryptocurrency wallet generated from a passphrase that is memorized by the user instead of being stored.

An experimental token standard for Bitcoin using Ordinals to inscribe fungible tokens onto satoshis.

A protocol that enables the transfer of assets and data between two different blockchain networks.

A protocol that enables the transfer of assets or data between different blockchain networks.

A program that rewards individuals for identifying and responsibly disclosing security vulnerabilities in blockchain systems.

The process of permanently removing tokens from circulation, reducing total supply and often increasing scarcity.

An investment strategy of purchasing assets after a price decline, aiming to profit from future recoveries.

The low-level machine-readable code that smart contracts are compiled into before being deployed on a blockchain.

A property of distributed systems that ensures consensus can be reached even if some participants act maliciously or fail.

A game theory problem that illustrates the challenge of achieving consensus in distributed systems with unreliable participants.

Regulatory and strategic frameworks that guide the design, issuance, and governance of central bank digital currencies.

A blockchain property that ensures no entity can prevent valid transactions from being broadcast or included in blocks.

A unique identifier assigned to each blockchain network to prevent transaction replay across chains.

A consensus approach where the chain with the most accumulated work or stake is considered the valid blockchain.

A decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts with real-world data and external APIs.

A periodically created state summary in blockchains that optimizes synchronization and enhances finality.

Independent blockchains that run parallel to a mainchain, often secured or validated by it.

A computational structure used in zero-knowledge proofs to verify logic without revealing underlying data.

The action of redeeming tokens, credentials, or rewards based on proof of eligibility or prior activity.

Software that allows users or nodes to interact with a blockchain network, execute transactions, and validate data.

An offline cryptocurrency wallet used for secure long-term storage of private keys and digital assets.

Assets pledged as security for borrowing or minting in DeFi protocols, used to guarantee loan repayment or stability.

A metric that measures the value of collateral relative to the debt it secures, used to assess loan safety in DeFi.

A cryptographic protocol that allows one party to commit to a value while keeping it hidden, with the ability to reveal it later.

A cryptographic method allowing a value to be hidden yet fixed, enabling secure proofs and privacy-preserving protocols.

The capability of blockchain systems to combine independently developed components into complex, functional applications.

A design principle where DeFi protocols can interact and build on each other, enabling modular financial applications.

A technique used to reduce the storage and bandwidth requirements of on-chain data, improving blockchain scalability.

The process by which nodes in a blockchain network agree on the validity of transactions and the state of the ledger.

The component of blockchain architecture responsible for achieving agreement on the order and validity of blocks.

A consensus mechanism is a method used by distributed systems and blockchains to agree on the same data without a central authority.

A protocol used by blockchain networks to achieve agreement on the state of the ledger and validate transactions.

A network-wide update that changes how consensus is achieved on a blockchain, often involving a fork or protocol enhancement.

A semi-decentralized blockchain managed by a group of trusted organizations rather than a single entity or the public.

A collaborative blockchain network governed by multiple organizations with shared control over validation and governance.

A self-executing program stored on the blockchain that automatically enforces rules and conditions.

An entity in rollup-based blockchains that orders transactions and proposes batches to the Layer 1 chain.

The ability for different blockchain networks to communicate, transfer assets, and execute operations between each other.

A protocol that enables token and data transfers between different blockchain networks.

The ability of different blockchain networks to exchange information and value securely and reliably.

Technologies that enable secure data and value exchange across independent blockchains.

A one-way mathematical function that converts data into a fixed-length output, essential for blockchain integrity.

A mathematical method used to verify data or computation validity without revealing underlying information.

The science of encoding and decoding information to secure communication, fundamental to blockchain security.

A cryptocurrency wallet where a third party holds and manages the user's private keys on their behalf.

A cryptocurrency wallet where a third party controls the private keys and manages funds on behalf of the user.

The practices and protocols used to protect blockchain systems from digital threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities.

A movement advocating the use of cryptography to protect privacy and promote individual freedoms in the digital age.

A data structure used in some blockchains as an alternative to linear chains to increase scalability and speed.

A DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) is a blockchain-based organization governed by smart contract rules instead of a central authority.

A collectively owned and operated blockchain-based entity governed by smart contracts and token-holder voting.

A collective fund controlled by DAO governance used to finance operations, grants, and development.

A modular framework for creating and managing DAOs using holographic consensus and smart contract templates.

An application built on a blockchain that operates without centralized control, often using smart contracts.

A web or mobile interface that allows users to interact with decentralized applications using Web3 protocols.

The user interface component of a decentralized application that interacts with blockchain smart contracts.

A metaphor describing the hostile environment of blockchain mempools where bots exploit profitable transactions before they're confirmed.

The assurance that all necessary blockchain data is accessible for verifying blocks and maintaining network consensus.

The guarantee that all necessary blockchain data is accessible to verify transactions and network state.

A specialized blockchain component that ensures transaction data is accessible for validation, crucial for modular blockchain scalability.

A probabilistic method for verifying data availability without downloading the full dataset, used in scalable blockchain designs.

An investment strategy where equal amounts are invested at regular intervals, reducing timing risk in volatile markets.

Decentralization in blockchain refers to distributing power and control across a network, avoiding reliance on any single central authority.

A structural principle in blockchain where power and control are distributed across many participants instead of centralized entities.

A peer-to-peer platform that enables cryptocurrency trading directly between users without intermediaries.

A financial ecosystem built on blockchain that offers services like lending, trading, and yield generation without intermediaries.

A decision-making process where power is distributed across a blockchain community, often via token-based voting.

A user-controlled digital identity framework built on blockchain that enhances privacy and interoperability.

A peer-to-peer system where no single entity has full control, ensuring resilience, openness, and censorship resistance.

A data service that fetches and verifies external information for smart contracts using multiple independent sources.

A blockchain-based platform where users own their content, identities, and data, avoiding centralized control.

A peer-to-peer method of storing digital data using blockchain or distributed networks instead of centralized servers.

DeFi, or Decentralized Finance, refers to blockchain-based financial applications that operate without banks or intermediaries.

A consensus mechanism where stakeholders elect a small group of delegates to validate transactions and secure the network.

A consensus mechanism where token holders vote for a limited set of validators to produce blocks on their behalf.

A synthetic asset on blockchain that represents the value of an underlying asset, used in trading and DeFi strategies.

A movement using blockchain to democratize scientific research, funding, publishing, and data sharing.

A crypto wallet that generates all private keys from a single seed phrase, simplifying backups and recovery.

Difficulty adjustment is an automatic mechanism in Proof of Work blockchains that regulates mining difficulty to maintain consistent block times.

A cryptographic method used to verify the authenticity and integrity of a message or transaction.

A governance model where each token holder can vote directly on all proposals without delegation.

A distributed ledger is a shared and synchronized digital database spread across multiple locations, enabling secure and tamper-proof transaction recording.

A decentralized database system where data is replicated, shared, and synchronized across multiple nodes.

A privacy attack in which small amounts of cryptocurrency are sent to multiple wallets to analyze their transaction behavior.

A privacy-compromising tactic where attackers send tiny crypto amounts to wallets to track and deanonymize users.

A decentralized derivatives exchange offering perpetual contracts, margin trading, and advanced order types.

A type of NFT that can change its metadata based on real-world events or on-chain activity.

A cryptographic algorithm used in blockchain to sign transactions and verify identity securely and efficiently.

A state in which reversing a blockchain transaction becomes economically irrational or infeasible due to high costs.

A high-performance digital signature algorithm used in blockchain for secure, compact, and fast signatures.

An Ethereum upgrade that introduced a base fee mechanism and ETH burning to improve transaction efficiency and predictability.

A type of public-key cryptography based on the algebraic structure of elliptic curves over finite fields.

A decentralized naming system that maps human-readable names to Ethereum addresses and other resources.

A fixed time interval used in blockchain protocols for validator rotation, rewards, or consensus checkpoints.

A multi-token Ethereum standard that allows the creation of both fungible and non-fungible tokens within a single smart contract.

A widely adopted Ethereum token standard defining rules for fungible tokens used across DeFi and dApps.

A tokenized vault standard for Ethereum that defines a uniform interface for yield-bearing tokens and DeFi vaults.

A token standard on Ethereum for representing unique, non-fungible assets like NFTs.

A trustless mechanism for holding and releasing assets based on predefined conditions in a smart contract.

A computation engine that executes smart contracts and maintains the state of Ethereum's decentralized network.

The runtime environment for executing smart contracts on Ethereum and compatible blockchains.

The property of Layer 2 networks or alternative chains to precisely replicate Ethereum's execution environment for seamless compatibility.

Refers to blockchain networks that support and run Ethereum-based smart contracts using the Ethereum Virtual Machine.

A deceptive practice where a crypto platform or project disappears with user funds, typically after building trust.

A service that distributes small amounts of cryptocurrency for free, typically for onboarding, testing, or promotional purposes.

A dynamic system where users compete to pay higher transaction fees for faster blockchain confirmations.

A dynamic system where users compete to pay higher transaction fees for faster blockchain confirmations.

A service that allows users to purchase cryptocurrencies using traditional fiat currencies like USD or EUR.

A service that allows users to purchase cryptocurrencies using traditional fiat currencies like USD or EUR.

The assurance that a blockchain transaction is permanently recorded and cannot be reversed or altered.

The assurance that a blockchain transaction is permanently confirmed and cannot be reversed or altered.

The assurance that a blockchain transaction is permanently confirmed and cannot be reversed or altered.

A blockchain fork is a split in a blockchain network that results in two separate versions of its protocol or transaction history.

A divergence in blockchain protocol or history, resulting in two or more competing versions of the ledger.

A method of dividing ownership of a single NFT into multiple fungible parts, enabling shared ownership and liquidity.

An exploit where a party preempts a pending blockchain transaction to profit by manipulating transaction ordering.

A malicious strategy where attackers exploit transaction ordering to gain unfair financial advantage.

A crypto asset that has been locked or restricted from transfer due to smart contract logic, regulation, or platform policy.

A digital asset that is interchangeable with any other unit of the same type, commonly used for currencies or utilities.

The unit of computational cost used to execute operations and smart contracts on the Ethereum network.

The unit of computational effort required to execute operations on a blockchain, especially Ethereum.

Gas is the unit used to measure and pay for the computational cost of executing transactions or smart contracts on blockchain networks like Ethereum.

The maximum amount of computational effort a user is willing to spend on a blockchain transaction.

The amount of cryptocurrency a user is willing to pay per unit of gas to execute operations on a blockchain.

A tokenized asset used to pay transaction fees on blockchain networks, often representing native tokens like ETH.

A competitive bidding situation where users raise gas fees to gain transaction priority, often during NFT mints or token launches.

The very first block in a blockchain, serving as the foundation from which all other blocks are linked.

The very first block of a blockchain, from which all subsequent blocks derive their lineage and security.

A type of token that grants holders the right to vote on decisions affecting a blockchain protocol or DAO.

A cryptocurrency that gives holders voting rights in decentralized protocols, often used in DAOs and DeFi platforms.

A flexible query language used to retrieve data efficiently, commonly adopted in Web3 projects like The Graph.

A denomination of Ether used to measure gas prices in the Ethereum network, where 1 Gwei equals 0.000000001 ETH.

A denomination of Ethereum used to measure gas prices, equal to one billionth of one ETH.

A programmed reduction in the block reward given to miners, typically occurring at fixed intervals in Proof of Work cryptocurrencies.

A hard fork is a non-backward compatible change to a blockchain protocol that creates a permanent split into two separate networks or cryptocurrencies.

A major blockchain upgrade or split that results in two incompatible versions of the chain, often leading to a new cryptocurrency.

A major protocol change in a blockchain that creates an incompatible chain split, often resulting in a new cryptocurrency.

A fixed-size alphanumeric output derived from input data using cryptographic algorithms, foundational to blockchain integrity.

A cryptographic algorithm that maps input data to a fixed-length hash, ensuring data integrity and security.

A mathematical algorithm that converts data into a fixed-size string, ensuring integrity and security in blockchain systems.

A measure of computational power used in blockchain mining, indicating how many hash operations are performed per second.

A wallet system that generates all keys from a single seed phrase, simplifying backup and key management.

An algorithmic trading strategy that executes numerous trades in milliseconds, increasingly used in crypto markets.

A crypto slang term originating from a typo, now representing a long-term investment strategy of holding assets through volatility.

A cryptocurrency wallet connected to the internet, allowing fast access but with increased exposure to hacking risks.

A blockchain consensus mechanism that combines features of multiple models like Proof of Work and Proof of Stake.

Immutability means blockchain data can’t be changed or deleted once recorded, ensuring transparency and trust in decentralized systems.

A temporary loss in value that occurs when providing liquidity to AMMs due to price divergence between assets.

A node or service that processes and organizes blockchain data for fast and efficient querying, often used in Web3 infrastructure.

A cryptocurrency with an increasing supply over time, often used to incentivize participation or secure a network.

A fundraising mechanism where projects sell new tokens to early investors, typically before listing on exchanges.

A fundraising model where new tokens are launched directly on decentralized exchanges to reach users without intermediaries.

A property of some blockchains where transactions are confirmed immediately and cannot be reversed once included in a block.

The ability of different blockchain networks to communicate, exchange data, and operate together seamlessly.

A decentralized peer-to-peer storage protocol for sharing and preserving files across a distributed network.

A unique identifier generated by IPFS to represent a file based on its content using cryptographic hashing.

A situation in decentralized lending platforms where interest rates are reduced due to high liquidity or low borrowing demand.

A margin trading mode where each position is managed separately, limiting risk exposure to a specific trade.

A rollup architecture where the Layer 2 environment mirrors Layer 1 execution logic, enabling seamless compatibility and composability.

The process by which new tokens or coins are created and introduced into a blockchain’s circulating supply.

A punishment mechanism in Proof of Stake blockchains where misbehaving validators are temporarily removed from consensus.

A lightweight remote procedure call protocol used by blockchain nodes to communicate and interact with client applications.

A DeFi strategy where liquidity is added moments before a trade and removed immediately after to capture fees or price impact.

A cryptographic set of private and public keys used to secure and authenticate blockchain transactions.

A regulatory process requiring users to verify their identity before accessing financial or crypto services.

A Layer 2 scaling solution that executes transactions off-chain and posts compressed data to Layer 1 for security.

A staking method that allows users to earn rewards while maintaining liquidity through tradable derivative tokens.

A process in lending protocols where collateral is sold when a borrower’s position becomes undercollateralized.

A DeFi strategy where users earn tokens for supplying liquidity to decentralized exchanges or protocols.

A smart contract-based reserve of token pairs used to facilitate decentralized trading without traditional order books.

A user who supplies tokens to a liquidity pool in exchange for a share of trading fees and LP tokens.

A core property of blockchain consensus ensuring the network continues to make progress by producing and confirming new blocks.

A token received by liquidity providers representing their share in a DeFi liquidity pool and used to claim rewards.

The fully operational and live version of a blockchain network where real transactions occur using actual tokens.

A trader who places a limit order that adds liquidity to the market, as opposed to a taker who removes it.

A decentralized organization that governs the DAI stablecoin system using smart contracts and community governance.

The maximum value that validators or miners can extract from blockchain users by reordering, inserting, or censoring transactions.

A cryptographic proof that verifies the inclusion of a data element within a Merkle tree without revealing the entire dataset.

A hierarchical data structure that enables efficient and secure verification of large datasets using cryptographic hashes.

A transaction model where a third party pays gas fees on behalf of a user, enabling gasless or simplified user experiences.

A popular browser and mobile crypto wallet for managing Ethereum accounts and interacting with Web3 dApps.

A very small financial transaction, often enabled by blockchain to minimize fees and reach new economic models.

The process by which new blocks are added to a Proof of Work blockchain, involving solving complex cryptographic puzzles.

Cryptocurrency mining is the process of validating transactions and adding them to the blockchain using computational power, typically under Proof of Work systems.

The process of creating new tokens or digital assets on a blockchain, commonly used for NFTs and tokenized assets.

A blockchain design that separates core functions like execution, consensus, and data availability across specialized layers.

A privacy-focused cryptocurrency that uses advanced cryptographic techniques to obscure transaction details.

A blockchain where all core functions—execution, consensus, and data availability—are performed on a single layer.

A wallet that requires multiple private keys to authorize a transaction, enhancing security and collective control.

NFTs are unique digital assets stored on a blockchain that prove ownership of a specific digital or physical item.

A platform that allows users to buy, sell, mint, and trade NFTs across various blockchain networks.

A node is a computer or device in a blockchain network that stores a copy of the ledger, validates transactions, and helps maintain decentralization.

A crypto wallet that gives users full control over their private keys and funds without relying on third parties.

A unique number used once to ensure transaction uniqueness and order in blockchain systems.

Any data, transaction, or computation that occurs outside the main blockchain network.

A method where heavy or complex calculations are executed outside the blockchain to enhance scalability and efficiency.

Any transaction, operation, or data that is directly recorded and verified on a blockchain network.

A blockchain-based governance system where protocol upgrades and decisions are made via token holder votes recorded on-chain.

A mechanism that allows assets to move from one blockchain to another but not back in the opposite direction.

A Layer 2 scaling solution that assumes transactions are valid by default and only runs fraud proofs if challenged.

Blockchain oracles are services that connect smart contracts to off-chain data sources, enabling blockchains to interact with real-world information.

A list of buy and sell orders organized by price level, used by exchanges to facilitate trading.

A verifiable method to prove control or possession of a digital asset, wallet, or on-chain identity.

A printed or handwritten document containing a cryptocurrency private key and public address for offline storage.

A decentralized communication model where participants interact directly without intermediaries.

A blockchain where access to participation or data is restricted to approved entities.

An open blockchain network where anyone can participate without prior approval.

Compares open, decentralized blockchain networks with restricted, access-controlled systems based on participation rights.

A Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that uses child chains to offload transaction processing from the main chain.

A digital badge protocol that issues NFTs to verify attendance at events, activities, or milestones.

A type of cryptocurrency that uses advanced cryptographic techniques to hide transaction details for greater anonymity.

A secret cryptographic key that allows users to access, control, and sign transactions from a blockchain wallet.

A consensus mechanism where pre-approved validators create new blocks, offering speed and control over decentralization.

A consensus mechanism where participants destroy tokens to gain the right to mine or validate new blocks.

A time-based consensus mechanism that uses cryptographic timestamps to verify the sequence of blockchain events.

A decentralized identity system designed to verify that a person is a unique human through community-backed validation.

A cryptographic method for verifying that a centralized entity holds the assets it claims on behalf of users.

Proof of Stake (PoS) is a blockchain consensus mechanism where validators are chosen based on how much cryptocurrency they hold and stake.

A consensus mechanism where validators are selected based on the amount of cryptocurrency they stake in the network.

Proof of Work (PoW) is a blockchain consensus mechanism where miners solve computational puzzles to validate transactions and add new blocks.

A consensus algorithm where miners solve computational puzzles to validate transactions and secure the blockchain.

A cryptographic key used to receive funds and verify signatures, publicly linked to a private key.

A framework that manages cryptographic keys and certificates to enable secure communication and identity verification.

A new computing paradigm that uses quantum bits to solve problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers.

A blockchain designed to be secure against future quantum computer attacks using post-quantum cryptography.

A permissioned blockchain platform derived from Ethereum, designed for enterprise use with enhanced privacy and performance.

A type of malicious software that encrypts files and demands cryptocurrency payment to restore access.

A smart contract vulnerability where an external call reenters the same contract before its previous execution completes.

A blockchain platform focused on ecological data, carbon credits, and regenerative finance (ReFi).

An off-chain actor or service that submits transactions on behalf of users in systems like rollups, bridges, and meta-transactions.

A temporary blockchain fork where a previously accepted chain segment is replaced by a longer competing version.

A process where staked assets are reused to secure additional protocols or services, extending utility and earning potential.

A fundraising model that allows investors to withdraw unallocated funds during a token sale for added protection.

A ranked list of the blockchain addresses or wallets holding the most tokens or cryptocurrencies.

A privacy-preserving cryptographic technique that hides the true signer among a group of possible signers.

A strategic timeline outlining the future plans, features, and milestones of a blockchain or crypto project.

A Layer 2 scaling solution that executes transactions off-chain and posts compressed data to the base blockchain.

A type of crypto scam where developers withdraw liquidity or abandon a project after collecting user funds.

An acronym for 'Secure Asset Fund for Users', popularized by Binance as a crypto safety fund and meme for asset protection.

An isolated environment used to test blockchain applications or simulate smart contract behavior without affecting live systems.

The smallest unit of Bitcoin, named after its creator, representing 0.00000001 BTC.

The pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin and author of its original whitepaper.

A concept that describes the trade-off between scalability, security, and decentralization in blockchain design.

A fraudulent or deceptive cryptocurrency created to trick investors into losing funds.

A memory-intensive hashing algorithm used as a consensus mechanism in several cryptocurrencies.

A human-readable backup phrase used to recover a cryptocurrency wallet and its associated private keys.

A Bitcoin protocol upgrade that separates signature data from transaction data to improve scalability and security.

The practice of personally holding and managing your own crypto assets without relying on third-party custodians.

A blockchain scalability technique that splits the network into smaller partitions (shards) to process transactions in parallel.

An independent blockchain that runs in parallel to a main chain and is interoperable through a bridge.

A cryptographic proof that validates the authenticity of a message or transaction in blockchain systems.

A penalty mechanism that removes a portion of a staker’s funds for malicious behavior or protocol violations.

The difference between the expected and actual price of a trade due to market movement or liquidity constraints.

A smart contract is a self-executing agreement with terms written directly into blockchain-based code.

A self-executing program on a blockchain that automatically enforces the terms of an agreement.

A record of blockchain state at a specific block height, used for airdrops, voting, and token distribution.

A cryptographic proof system that allows one party to prove possession of information without revealing it, using compact and efficient proofs.

A soft fork is a backward-compatible blockchain update that restricts protocol rules without splitting the chain or creating a new cryptocurrency.

A backward-compatible protocol upgrade that introduces new rules without requiring all nodes to update.

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

A non-transferable NFT that represents personal achievements, identity, or reputation on the blockchain.

A type of cryptocurrency pegged to a stable asset like the US dollar to reduce price volatility.

The process of locking crypto assets to support network operations and earn rewards in Proof of Stake systems.

Staking is the process of locking up tokens on a proof-of-stake blockchain to help validate transactions and earn rewards.

Tradable tokens representing staked assets, allowing liquidity while still earning staking rewards.

A Layer 2 scaling solution that allows parties to transact off-chain and settle the final state on-chain.

A privacy feature that allows users to receive crypto without exposing their public address on-chain.

A custom blockchain network within a larger ecosystem, offering scalability and application-specific configurations.

The total amount of a cryptocurrency token that exists, categorized as circulating, total, or maximum supply.

A tokenized representation of a real-world asset or derivative, tracked via smart contracts and collateral.

A Bitcoin protocol upgrade enhancing privacy, scalability, and smart contract flexibility via Schnorr signatures.

A public blockchain network used for testing applications and smart contracts without risking real assets.

A decentralized indexing and querying protocol for blockchain data, enabling efficient access for dApps and developers.

A digital unit of value issued on a blockchain, representing assets, utility, or governance rights.

Token burning is the permanent removal of cryptocurrency tokens from circulation by sending them to an unspendable address to reduce supply.

A Web3 mechanism that restricts access to content, services, or experiences based on token ownership.

The economic model and distribution logic governing a cryptocurrency token's supply, demand, and utility.

An anonymity network that routes internet traffic through multiple relays to conceal user location and activity.

A metric that measures the total amount of assets deposited in a DeFi protocol or ecosystem.

A transaction is a recorded exchange of value or data on a blockchain, such as sending cryptocurrency or interacting with a smart contract.

A fee paid by users to process and validate transactions on a blockchain network.

The assurance that a blockchain transaction is permanently recorded and cannot be reversed or altered.

A unique identifier assigned to each blockchain transaction, used for tracking and verification.

Transparency in blockchain means anyone can audit and verify transactions in real time via a public, decentralized ledger.

A core blockchain principle where systems operate without requiring users to trust central authorities.

A system capable of performing any computation given enough resources and time, including smart contract platforms like Ethereum.

A metric comparing a protocol's market capitalization to its total value locked, used to assess valuation.

A security method requiring two forms of verification before granting access to an account or system.

A blockchain-based distribution model that provides recurring income to users, often tied to identity verification.

A lending condition where the collateral value is lower than the loan value, introducing higher risk.

A decentralized exchange protocol that allows users to trade tokens directly via automated market makers (AMMs).

A Web3 platform offering blockchain-based domain names that are censorship-resistant and NFT-owned.

A type of blockchain token used to access products, services, or functions within a specific ecosystem.

An entity in Proof of Stake systems responsible for proposing and validating new blocks on the blockchain.

A strategy where a new DeFi protocol incentivizes users to switch from an existing platform by offering rewards.

A cryptographic function that requires a guaranteed minimum time to compute and is easily verifiable.

A process by which tokens or assets are gradually released to recipients over a set time period.

Co-founder of Ethereum and one of the most influential figures in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space.

The weight of a participant’s influence in a blockchain governance decision, often based on token holdings or delegation.

A digital tool that allows users to store, manage, and interact with their blockchain assets and identities.

A cryptocurrency wallet is software or hardware that stores private keys used to access and manage digital assets on blockchain networks.

An open protocol that allows users to connect crypto wallets to decentralized applications securely.

A type of wallet setup that allows users to monitor crypto balances and transactions without private key access.

A vision for a decentralized internet where users own their data, identities, and digital assets through blockchain technology.

A browser or browser extension that allows users to interact directly with decentralized applications (dApps).

A self-sovereign identity system based on blockchain that allows users to own and control their digital credentials.

Decentralized file storage systems that allow users to store and retrieve data on blockchain-based networks.

The smallest denomination of Ether, representing one quintillionth of an ETH (10^-18 ETH).

A crypto token that represents another asset on a different blockchain, allowing cross-chain interoperability.

A method by which one party proves to another that a statement is true without revealing the underlying information.

Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) let someone prove a statement is true without revealing the underlying data, enhancing privacy in blockchain and cryptography.

A layer 2 scaling solution that uses zero-knowledge proofs to batch transactions securely and efficiently.

A cryptographic proof that allows one party to prove it knows a value without revealing it, using zero knowledge.

A zero-knowledge cryptographic proof system offering transparency and scalability without a trusted setup.