Cryptocurrency Glossary
Explore key cryptocurrency, tax and investing terms and definitions
Opensea
OpenSea is a leading NFT marketplace supporting Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana. It enables users to mint, buy, and sell NFTs, including art, collectibles, and gaming items, making it a hub for digital asset enthusiasts.
Optimistic Rollup
An Optimistic Rollup is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that processes transactions off-chain, reducing fees and congestion. Transactions are assumed valid unless challenged, making the system both efficient and secure.
Oracles
Oracles in crypto connect blockchains to external data, enabling smart contracts to interact with real-world events.
OTC Market
The OTC market is a decentralized space where assets are traded privately between parties instead of on centralized exchanges. Learn how it works, its advantages, and how it's used in cryptocurrency trading.
Paper wallet
A paper wallet is a physical printout of a cryptocurrency wallet's public and private keys, often in the form of QR codes, allowing offline storage of digital assets for enhanced security.
Peer-to-peer (P2P)
Peer-to-peer (P2P) is a decentralized network model where participants interact directly without intermediaries.
Polkadot
Polkadot is a blockchain platform that enables interoperability between different blockchains. Its relay chain, parachains, and DOT token facilitate scalable, secure, and customizable solutions for decentralized applications and Web3 projects.
Polygon (MATIC)
Polygon is a blockchain platform designed to improve the scalability, efficiency, and interoperability of Ethereum and other compatible blockchains.
Ponzi Scheme
A Ponzi scheme is a financial fraud where returns are paid to earlier investors using new investors' money instead of actual profits. Learn how it works, common red flags, and how to avoid falling victim.
Privacy Coin
Privacy coins are cryptocurrencies designed to keep transactions anonymous and untraceable. Learn how they work, their advantages, legal concerns, and which privacy coins are most popular.
Privacy vs pseudonymity
Being anonymous in crypto means using the blockchain without revealing your real identity. It protects privacy — but also raises questions around trust and regulation.
Private Blockchain
A private blockchain is a restricted-access blockchain network managed by a central entity or group. It's used in enterprise and institutional settings where control, privacy, and speed are priorities.
Private Key
A private key is a secure alphanumeric code that grants access to cryptocurrency wallets. Essential for proving ownership and authorizing transactions, private keys must remain confidential to ensure the security of blockchain assets.
Proof of Reserves
Proof of reserves (PoR) is a method used by crypto exchanges to verify they hold enough assets to cover user deposits. Learn how it works, why it matters, and its limitations.
Proof of Stake (PoS)
Proof of Stake (PoS) is a blockchain consensus mechanism where participants validate transactions and secure the network based on the cryptocurrency they stake. Known for its energy efficiency and scalability, PoS powers many modern blockchains like Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana.