Glossary
Crypto glossary
Plain-language definitions of common crypto terms. Tap a term to read the full explainer.
Basics
- Cryptocurrency
- Digital money and assets managed on a blockchain, with no central controller. Learn more →
- Blockchain
- A shared, tamper-resistant ledger that everyone keeps a copy of. Learn more →
- Bitcoin
- The first cryptocurrency; a fixed-supply (21M) store of value. Learn more →
- Ethereum
- A programmable blockchain for smart contracts; its coin is ETH. Learn more →
- DeFi
- Financial services run by smart contracts instead of banks. Learn more →
- NFT
- A token proving ownership of a unique digital item. Learn more →
- Stablecoin
- A crypto asset pegged to a currency such as the US dollar. Learn more →
- Staking
- Locking crypto to help secure a network and earn rewards. Learn more →
- Smart contract
- A program on a blockchain that runs automatically when conditions are met. Learn more →
- Gas fee
- The cost of running a transaction on a blockchain; rises with congestion. Learn more →
- Layer 2
- Networks that process transactions off the main chain to cut fees and congestion. Learn more →
- Altcoin
- Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Learn more →
- RWA
- Tokenizing real-world assets (bonds, real estate, cash) on a blockchain. Learn more →
- DePIN
- Token-incentivized networks that crowd-build real-world physical infrastructure. Learn more →
Safety
- DEX（CEX）
- A decentralized exchange (smart-contract run) vs a centralized, company-run one. Learn more →
- Wallet
- Software or hardware that holds the keys controlling your crypto. Learn more →
- Seed phrase（Private key）
- The 12–24 word master key to your wallet. Never share it. Learn more →
Japan
- Exchange
- Where you buy and sell crypto. In Japan it must be FSA-registered. Learn more →
- FSA
- Japan's Financial Services Agency, which regulates crypto exchanges. Learn more →
- JVCEA
- Japan's self-regulatory body for crypto exchanges. Learn more →