Cryptocurrency is usually defined as any digital form of money that employs encryption and cryptographic techniques to secure transaction activities.
Since a lot of things are happening around the world, it is tempting to question if studying cryptocurrency is too difficult. The usage of terminology that many of us have never heard causes a lot of misunderstanding with cryptocurrency. Once you get command of the terms that are used in the cryptocurrency space, you will get a better idea of how cryptocurrency works. We have attempted to define some of the most often used terms of cryptocurrency in this article. As a result, if you’re just getting started and need a platform, you’ll have a basic dictionary under your belt.
- Decentralized Finance:
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is short for decentralized finance. In the IT and financial markets, it’s a new trend. It enables users to exchange money, products, and services without the need for government or third-party involvement. It allows for a decentralized transaction that is independent of any other figure. The ultimate slogan of decentralized technology is “Banking the Unbanked.” Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Tether are all decentralized currencies. Users buy USDT and enjoy trading with all incentives of decentralized finance.
- Blockchain:
One of the most commonly used terms in the cryptocurrency space is blockchain. Blockchain is a method of storing data that makes it hard or impossible to alter, hack, or trick the system. Since blockchain is decentralized, this implies that data is not kept on a single machine or even on a single network. They are stored on computers all over the globe that are connected to the Internet. Blockchains are well-known for playing a key part in the cryptocurrency market, such as in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, by preserving a decentralized and secure record of transactions. Experts claim that blockchain technology has the potential to alleviate poverty throughout the world, and we are surely pulling for it.
- Fiat Currency:
Fiat is a Latin word that means “government determination.” Therefore this fiat money is only valuable when governments are willing to retain its worth. The term “fiat currency” is used in the crypto world to refer to the actual physical money that we utilize on a regular basis. Governments and officials of a country register it and proclaim it valid. Fiat currencies include the US dollar and the Euro. Fiat currencies are firmly backed by the political environment and global significance.
- Altcoin:
This is a simple one to remember. Any digital money that isn’t Bitcoin is known as an altcoin. There are dozens of cryptocurrencies, and new ones are constantly being introduced. Here are a few most popular cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, mainstream acceptance and popularity:
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum
- Binance Coin
- Tether
- Solana
- Litecoin
- Ripple
- Dogecoin
Since cryptocurrency is so volatile, these coins keep changing their market cap and value frequently.
- Crypto Exchange:
To purchase Bitcoin, you must first go to a cryptocurrency exchange. It is an online service that lets you swap fiat currency for cryptocurrency or vice versa. A crypto exchange acts as a brokerage if you’re accustomed to traditional investment. You can make a deposit via a bank transfer, a wire transfer, a debit card, and other common ways. These exchanges make it easy for you to access different cryptocurrencies and altcoins.
- HODL:
This is a prominent and well-known buzzword in the cryptocurrency market. This may come off as a little amusing, but “HOLD” was supposed to be used instead of “HODL.” It was a simple misspelling that went viral and became a trendy term. It implies keeping your money rather than selling it. “I AM HODLING IT,” someone said on the Bitcoin forum. It now implies that no matter what happens to the price of Bitcoin, you should retain your money invested in it. This individual had no idea that his misspellings would be picked up like wildfire.
- Mining:
Mining is another important buzzword that is associated with Bitcoin. When fresh Bitcoins are released into circulation, the process of mining takes place. Strong computers capable of solving mathematical puzzles and uploading new blocks to the blockchain are required for this strategy. It also entails implementing security measures to safeguard the transaction. The users who do mining are called miners. They solve complex mathematical problems to complete the process and release new Bitcoins.
- FOMO:
The abbreviation Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) is even widely used outside of the crypto world. FOMO is a widely used buzzword in the cryptocurrency market to describe the fear of missing out on profits made by other traders. It makes traders aware of, and often overly aware of, the cryptocurrency’s volatility and unpredictability. As a result of FOMO, we frequently witness rumors and false speculations circulating on social media.
