The most comprehensive crypto glossary for Beginner level
The most comprehensive crypto glossary out there.
Encryption
Transforming clear information into code so that it cannot be accessed by unauthorized parties. Encryption techniques are used by governments, businesses, and individuals to protect their personal information and prevent fraud.
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Level: Beginner
Paper wallet
A document containing the private keys of a wallet.
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Level: Beginner
Pair
A pair of two cryptocurrencies that are traded against each other in a cryptocurrency exchange. It is commonly referred to as a trading pair. Trading pairs in an exchange show which cryptocurrencies can be directly exchanged with another.
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Level: Beginner
Oversold
The state of a financial asset when it has been repeatedly sold by sellers in the market.
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Level: Beginner
Overbought
The state of a financial asset when it has been repeatedly bought by buyers in the market.
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Level: Beginner
OTC (over the counter)
Transactions handled off of an exchange. OTC trades are often peer-to-peer and settled directly between two entities.
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Level: Beginner
ELI5
It means "explain like I'm five." Based on a subreddit of the same name. A great way to learn concepts in crypto.
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Level: Beginner
Option
A contract giving its owner the option, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a crypto asset at a specified price on a specified date.
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Level: Beginner
Open source
The making public of a bit of information or process. It is often used in relation to source code of networks and applications, which allows their composition to be freely viewed and edited.
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Level: Beginner
On-chain
Transactions that are handled directly on the blockchain and recorded on its ledger. On-chain transactions are more secure than off-chain transactions in most cases.
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Level: Beginner
Off-chain
Transactions that are handled off of the blockchain. These transactions are often settled more quickly and at cheaper costs.
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Level: Beginner
NFT (non-fungible token)
A special format of digital and cryptographic file that resides on a blockchain network, in which you can record items like unique collectibles or artwork that contains some sort of intellectual property. The non-fungible token represents authentication and ownership to that recorded property.
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Level: Beginner
Non-custodial wallet
A cryptocurrency wallet whose private keys are possessed only by the person who created the wallet. In that sense, only the creator of a non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet can access and control the wallet, unlike an exchange wallet.
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Level: Beginner
Nifty gateway
An NFT marketplace owned by the Winklevoss twins.
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Level: Beginner
Network congestion
An unusual spike of transaction volume in a network, which exceeds the processing capacity of the network and clogs its channels as a consequence.
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Level: Beginner