Comprehensive Crypto & Blockchain Glossary
SCANDIC FINANCE GROUP LIMITED
Crypto Glossary (A – Z)
0x Protocol
0x Protocol is an open-source protocol on the Ethereum blockchain that enables the decentralized exchange of crypto assets. It allows developers to build decentralized exchanges (decentralized trading venues, wallets or marketplaces) using standardized smart contracts.
1 hour (1hr)
1 hour (abbreviated as 1hr) refers to data or performance measured over the past one hour.
24 hours (24hr)
24 hours (abbreviated as 24hr) refers to data or performance measured over the past twenty-four hours.
30 days (30d)
30 days (abbreviated as 30d) refers to data or performance measured over the past thirty calendar days.
401(k) Plan
A 401(k) plan is a United States employer-sponsored retirement savings plan in which employees can contribute part of their salary, often with matching contributions from the employer.
51% Attack
A 51% attack is an attack on a blockchain network where a single malicious actor or group controls over half of the network’s mining or validating power. This majority control allows them to manipulate the blockchain, for example by censoring transactions or even attempting double-spending, although they still cannot forge new tokens or counterfeit signatures.
Address
An address is an alphanumeric string (often represented as a QR code) used to send and receive transactions on a blockchain network. To transfer cryptocurrency to someone, you need their address (for instance, a crypto wallet or exchange account will have an address for deposits).
Airdrop
An airdrop is a distribution of cryptocurrency tokens to users, typically for free and often without prior notice. Projects conduct airdrops to reward loyal users or promote a new token by creating buzz and broadening token ownership.
Algorithmic Stablecoin
An algorithmic stablecoin is a cryptocurrency token designed to maintain a peg to a fiat currency (often the US dollar) using only software and preset rules, rather than backing the token with collateral assets. These systems algorithmically expand or contract the token supply (or use related tokens) to keep the price stable.
All-Time High (ATH)
All-Time High refers to the highest price or market capitalization that a cryptocurrency has reached in its history. Investors often use “ATH” as a benchmark for peak valuation of an asset.
All-Time Low (ATL)
All-Time Low refers to the lowest price or market capitalization that a cryptocurrency has ever recorded. It indicates the minimum value point of an asset since it was listed or began trading.
Altcoin
“Altcoin” (alternative coin) refers to any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. The term covers thousands of alternatives, some of which started as forks of Bitcoin’s code while others run on entirely separate blockchains (e.g., Ether on Ethereum, Monero, etc.). Altcoins often introduce new features or different consensus mechanisms compared to Bitcoin.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Anti-Money Laundering is a framework of laws, regulations, and procedures aimed at preventing criminals from disguising illicit funds as legitimate income. In the crypto industry, AML compliance requires exchanges and financial service providers to monitor transactions and user activity to detect and report suspicious behavior, helping to prevent and detect money laundering and terrorist financing.
Application Programming Interface (API)
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a software interface that allows two applications or systems to communicate with each other and exchange data or requests. In crypto, exchanges and services provide APIs to enable programmatic trading, data retrieval, or blockchain interactions without using a human interface.
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)
An ASIC is a specialized microchip designed for a specific task – in blockchain context, typically for performing the hash computations in proof-of-work mining. ASIC miners are far more efficient at mining certain cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin, which uses SHA-256 hashing) than general-purpose computer chips, meaning mining those coins is only practical with ASIC hardware.
Arbitrage
Arbitrage is a trading strategy where an investor exploits price differences for the same asset in different markets. In cryptocurrency, this often involves buying a coin on one exchange at a lower price and quickly selling it on another exchange at a higher price, thereby locking in a profit from the price discrepancy.
Asset-Backed Token
An asset-backed token is a crypto token that represents and is backed by an underlying physical asset. For example, a token might correspond to a certain quantity of gold, real estate, or another tangible asset, allowing the asset to be traded digitally on blockchain while reflecting the value of the real-world item.
Asset Token
An asset token is a type of token that represents a stake or interest in an asset or enterprise, such as a debt or equity claim on the issuer. These tokens often grant holders rights to future earnings, cash flows, or governance, and they may be tradable investments. Asset tokens are subject to securities laws in many jurisdictions (hence often synonymous with security tokens).
Atomic Swap
An atomic swap is a peer-to-peer exchange of cryptocurrencies between two different blockchains without using a centralized intermediary (like an exchange). Atomic swaps utilize smart contracts or specialized transaction protocols to ensure that the trade either completes fully (both parties get each other’s coins) or, if any part of the swap fails, nothing is exchanged – thus eliminating counterparty risk.
...and more entries as defined in our official documentation.