How to use this glossary
New to crypto? Start here whenever you see a word you don't understand. Keep it simple. You don't need to memorize everything on day one.
Jump to a term: ATH · Altcoin · Blockchain · CEX · DeFi · DCA · Fiat · Gas Fees · HODL · Market Cap · Private Key · Seed Phrase · Staking · Token · Volatility
ATH (All-Time High)
The highest price a coin has ever reached in its history.
Altcoin
Any cryptocurrency that is not Bitcoin. Example: Ethereum, Solana, Cardano.
Blockchain
A public, shared database of transactions. Data is grouped in blocks linked together in order.
Bull Market / Bear Market
Bull market: prices trend up for a longer period. Bear market: prices trend down for a longer period.
CEX (Centralized Exchange)
A crypto exchange run by a company (like Coinbase or Kraken). Easier for beginners, but the company controls the platform.
DeFi (Decentralized Finance)
Financial services on blockchain without a traditional bank middleman, often through smart contracts.
DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging)
Investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, e.g. €50 each month, instead of trying to time one perfect entry.
Fiat Money
Government-issued currencies like EUR or USD.
Gas Fees
Network fees you pay to process transactions on chains like Ethereum.
HODL
Crypto slang for holding long term and not panic-selling during short-term drops.
Market Cap
Market capitalization = current coin price × circulating supply. Used to compare project size.
Private Key
Your secret access key to crypto funds. Whoever has it controls the wallet.
Seed Phrase
A list of backup words (usually 12/24) that can restore your wallet. Store offline and never share.
Smart Contract
Code on a blockchain that executes rules automatically when conditions are met.
Staking
Locking or delegating coins in certain networks to help secure them and potentially earn rewards.
Token
A digital asset built on an existing blockchain. Example: many assets built on Ethereum are tokens.
Volatility
How strongly prices move up and down. Crypto is known for high volatility.
Next step for beginners
Read one guide at a time and apply it immediately. Understanding 10 core terms well is more useful than reading 100 without a plan.