Glossary
Crypto glossary
Plain-language definitions of common crypto terms. Tap a term to read the full explainer.
Solana
- Solana
- A high-performance blockchain built for speed and low fees; mainnet since 2020. Its coin is SOL. Learn more →
- SOL
- Solana's native token, used for fees, staking and governance. Learn more →
- Proof of History（PoH）
- Solana's verifiable clock that timestamps transactions, enabling high throughput. Learn more →
- Validator
- A node that verifies transactions and produces blocks to secure Solana. Learn more →
- Lamports
- The smallest unit of SOL: 1 SOL = 1,000,000,000 lamports.
- SPL token（SPL）
- Solana's token standard (its equivalent of ERC-20). Learn more →
- Phantom
- A widely used Solana wallet, available as a browser extension and mobile app. Learn more →
- Firedancer
- A new high-performance validator client for Solana built by Jump Crypto. Learn more →
- Solana Pay
- A payments protocol on Solana for instant, low-cost transfers. Learn more →
Basics
- Cryptocurrency
- Digital money and assets managed on a blockchain, with no central controller.
- Blockchain
- A shared, tamper-resistant ledger that everyone keeps a copy of.
- Bitcoin
- The first cryptocurrency; a fixed-supply (21M) store of value.
- Ethereum
- A programmable blockchain for smart contracts; its coin is ETH.
- DeFi
- Financial services run by smart contracts instead of banks.
- NFT
- A token proving ownership of a unique digital item.
- Stablecoin
- A crypto asset pegged to a currency such as the US dollar.
- 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.
- Gas fee
- The cost of running a transaction on a blockchain; rises with congestion.
- Layer 2
- Networks that process transactions off the main chain to cut fees and congestion.
- Altcoin
- Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin.
- RWA
- Tokenizing real-world assets (bonds, real estate, cash) on a blockchain.
- 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.
- Seed phrase（Private key）
- The 12–24 word master key to your wallet. Never share it. Learn more →
- Exchange
- Where you buy and sell crypto. Use a reputable, regulated exchange. Learn more →