Plain-language definitions of the crypto terms you meet while trading digital asset markets.
The basics
| Term | What it means |
|---|
| Blockchain | The shared ledger a cryptocurrency network runs on. |
| Cryptocurrency | A digital asset that transfers over a blockchain network. |
| Stablecoin | A coin designed to hold a steady value against a reference currency, such as USDT. |
| Wallet | Software or hardware that holds the keys to your crypto. |
| Address | Where crypto is sent. Must match the network being used. |
Market terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|
| Market capitalisation | The total value of all units of a coin in circulation. |
| Liquidity | How easily an asset can be traded without moving its price. |
| Volatility | How much and how quickly price moves. Typically higher in crypto. |
| 24/7 markets | Crypto trades continuously, including weekends. |
Trading them
| Term | What it means |
|---|
| Pair | Two assets quoted against each other, such as BTC/USDT. |
| OTC | A market quoted continuously rather than on exchange hours. See what is OTC in Binoria. |
| Altcoin | Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. |
Putting it into practice
Definitions stick faster when you see them in use. Open a demo account — virtual funds, no deposit — and these terms stop being abstract within minutes.