A peer-to-peer digital cash alternative on the Bitcoin blockchain with a capped supply of 21 million. It is the first cryptocurrency to utilize a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism. The concept of bitcoin originated in Satoshi Nakamoto's 2008 white paper. 

A digital, decentralized, immutable ledger that supports peer-to-peer transactions and transparently hosts all historical activity. The concept for blockchain technology began in 1991 when researchers Stuart Harber and W. Scott Stornetta described a network in which digital documents would be time-stamped and irreversible. 

A method of value storage for blockchain-based assets that is not directly connected to the internet. It can come in the form of a hardware wallet, paper wallet, or other offline device hardware wallets.

Digital currency that uses cryptography to secure transactions within a decentralized environment. Currency is a medium of exchange valued solely by supply and demand, different from crypto assets that grant revenues, rewards, and/or network benefits. "Crypto" means "secret" in Greek. Common cryptocurrencies include bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH). 

A blockchain-based, self-governing organization in which participants can work toward a common goal on a trustless network. DAOs are member-owned communities operating without centralized leadership.

A cryptocurrency native to the Ethereum blockchain used to pay fees and secure the network through staking rewards. 

An open-source Layer-1 blockchain network that facilitates peer-to-peer transactions and the development of decentralized apps. The concept for Ethereum originated in Vitalik Buterin’s 2014 white paper. Ethereum started with a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism, but upgraded in September 2022 to proof-of-stake (PoS).

The foundational blockchain network on which decentralized applications are built. This underlying infrastructure is responsible for settling transactions and securing the network and its primary characteristic is its consensus mechanism, which defines the network’s speed, security, and throughput.

A protocol, or software program, built on top of an underlying blockchain, or Layer 1, to increase speed and lower transaction fees. Popular Layer-2 protocols include Polygon and Optimism. 

The process of creating and adding new blocks to a blockchain by verifying transactions and earning rewards in the form of new tokens. This process is typically performed by vast, decentralized networks of computers known as nodes, using either proof-of-work (PoW) or proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanisms to secure the blockchain network.

A unique crypto asset that can be programmed with specific attributes and cannot be replicated. NFT tokens can represent traditionally illiquid valuables, legal documents, memberships, and more. 

A blockchain consensus mechanism where specialized computers, known as miners, compete to validate transactions and earn newly minted tokens. 

Identification used to send digital assets to another user. Addresses are typically in the form of QR codes or a string of 26-35 alphanumeric characters.

Software that manages and stores the cryptographic keys used to access digital assets on the blockchain. Wallets primarily come in two forms: hot wallets, which are directly connected to the internet, and cold wallets, which are stored offline. 

The next iteration of the internet that incorporates blockchain technology to enable ownership distribution, peer-to-peer payments, and equal access. Gavin Wood, Ethereum's co-founder, coined the term “Web3” in 2014.