Cryptocurrency Glossary
Explore key cryptocurrency, tax and investing terms and definitions
0x Protocol
The 0x Protocol is a decentralized exchange infrastructure for peer-to-peer token trading on Ethereum. By combining off-chain order relays with on-chain settlements, it reduces gas costs, enhances security, and powers DeFi applications, NFT marketplaces, and DEX platforms.
51 Attack
A 51% attack happens when a miner or group controls more than half of a blockchain's mining power, allowing them to double-spend coins and disrupt the network. While rare on large networks like Bitcoin, smaller blockchains remain vulnerable.
52-Week High Low
The 52-week high and low represents the highest and lowest price of an asset over the past year. Traders use this metric to analyze trends, find key support/resistance levels, and identify potential breakout opportunities.
Advanced encryption standard (AES)
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a powerful encryption method used to protect sensitive crypto data. It's fast, secure, and widely trusted across wallets and digital systems.
Algorithmic Stablecoin
An algorithmic stablecoin is a crypto that maintains a stable value using smart contracts and supply adjustments rather than real asset backing. While innovative, they carry high risks, as seen in the Terra UST collapse.
Alpha in crypto
In crypto, alpha means early information that gives you a market edge — like upcoming launches, token drops, or insider insights. Learn how to spot real alpha (and avoid the noise).
Altcoin
Altcoins are cryptocurrencies that offer innovative features like smart contracts, privacy, and stable value. They expand the possibilities of blockchain technology and provide diverse investment opportunities.
Anti-money laundering
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) refers to laws, regulations, and procedures aimed at preventing criminals from disguising illegally obtained funds as legitimate income. AML requirements apply to banks, crypto exchanges, and other financial institutions.
Apeing
Apeing in crypto refers to impulsively investing in new projects or tokens without thorough research, often driven by hype or FOMO.
API
An API (Application Programming Interface) enables communication between software applications. Acting as a digital middleman, it powers everything from app integrations to real-time services.
APR
APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is the yearly interest rate on investments or loans, excluding compounding. In crypto, APR is used for staking, lending, and yield farming, showing potential earnings over a year.
APY
APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is the real return on an investment, including compound interest. Used in staking, lending, and DeFi, APY provides a more accurate estimate of earnings than APR.
ASIC
A specialized hardware for efficient cryptocurrency mining, like Bitcoin. Faster and more energy-efficient than GPUs or CPUs, ASICs dominate the mining landscape but are purpose-built for specific algorithms.
Automated market maker (AMM)
An automated market maker (AMM) is a type of decentralized exchange (DEX) protocol that uses smart contracts to create liquidity pools and enable users to trade cryptocurrencies directly without a traditional order book or centralized intermediary.
Bag holder
A bag holder is a crypto investor stuck holding coins that have lost significant value, often with little chance of recovery. Learn why it happens — and how to avoid it.