A decentralized, distributed ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. Each block in the chain contains a list of transactions, and once a block is added to the chain, it cannot be altered.
In Proof of Work blockchains, the reward miners receive for successfully adding a new block to the chain — typically consisting of newly minted coins plus transaction fees from the block.
A protocol that ensures all nodes in a blockchain network agree on the state of the ledger. Common mechanisms include Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS).
A digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates on decentralized networks based on blockchain technology.
An organization represented by rules encoded as a computer program, governed by its members through tokens rather than by a central authority. DAOs enable community-driven decision-making.
An application that runs on a decentralized network such as a blockchain, rather than on a centralized server, typically using smart contracts for its backend logic.
A financial system built on blockchain technology that operates without traditional intermediaries like banks — offering lending, borrowing, trading, and other services directly between users.
A Web3 model that uses blockchain technology, tokenization, and smart contracts to build and operate physical infrastructure through a distributed network of participants.
A cryptocurrency exchange that operates without a central authority, allowing users to trade digital assets directly with one another via smart contracts. Examples include Uniswap and SushiSwap.
A fee paid by users to compensate for the computational energy required to process and validate transactions on a blockchain like Ethereum.
A token that grants its holder voting rights on protocol changes and governance decisions within a decentralized ecosystem.
A function that converts data into a fixed-size string of characters. Used in blockchain to ensure data integrity — any change to the input produces a dramatically different hash.
The ability of different blockchain networks to communicate, share data, and transfer value seamlessly with one another.
A decentralized, peer-to-peer network for storing and sharing data. IPFS uses content addressing, so files are identified by their content rather than their location.
The base blockchain infrastructure — the foundational network itself (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) — on top of which other applications and scaling solutions are built.
The practice of providing liquidity to a decentralized exchange in exchange for token rewards, incentivizing users to contribute to the pool.
A unique digital asset that represents ownership of a specific item, such as art, music, or collectibles, and is stored on a blockchain.
A computer that participates in a blockchain network by maintaining a copy of the ledger, validating transactions, and relaying data across the network.
A third-party service that provides external, real-world data to smart contracts on the blockchain, allowing them to react to events outside the chain.
A consensus mechanism where validators are chosen to create new blocks based on the number of tokens they hold and "stake" as collateral. More energy-efficient than Proof of Work.
A consensus mechanism where miners compete to solve complex mathematical puzzles to validate transactions and add new blocks to the chain, earning rewards in return.
A self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. Smart contracts automatically execute and enforce terms when predefined conditions are met.
A cryptocurrency designed to have a stable value, typically pegged to a fiat currency like the US dollar or to a commodity like gold.
Locking cryptocurrency in a Proof of Stake network as collateral to help secure the network, in exchange for rewards paid in newly minted tokens or transaction fees.
A digital asset built on top of an existing blockchain, representing various forms of value — currency, ownership, access rights, or voting power.
The economic model and design of tokens within a blockchain ecosystem, including their utility, governance, supply dynamics, and incentive mechanisms.
A token that provides access to a specific product or service within a blockchain ecosystem, such as Ethereum's Ether (ETH) used to pay for computation.
A software or hardware tool that allows users to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies. Wallets hold the private keys that prove ownership of digital assets.
The next evolution of the internet, built on blockchain technology to create a decentralized, user-owned web where individuals control their own data and digital assets.
The practice of locking cryptocurrencies in DeFi protocols to earn interest, additional tokens, or other rewards — often by providing liquidity across multiple platforms.