Glossary
139 terms to sharpen your crypto trading knowledge
Address
String of text that designates the location of a particular wallet on the blockchain. Often a hashed version of a public key.
Airdrop
An airdrop is the free distribution of cryptocurrency tokens to qualifying wallet holders, used by projects as a marketing strategy to build community awareness and reward early adopters.
Algorithm
A cryptocurrency algorithm is a defined set of instructions that automates trading or mining decisions based on inputs like market data, price movements, and technical indicators.
All or None Order (AON)
An All or None (AON) order requires that the entire order quantity be filled in a single execution, or the order is cancelled — ensuring traders avoid unwanted partial fills.
All-Time High (ATH)
ATH (All-Time High) is the highest price a cryptocurrency has ever reached, representing a key psychological and technical reference level that traders use to inform their strategies.
Allocation
Allocation in crypto refers to how an investor distributes their capital across different cryptocurrencies and asset classes to balance risk and maximize potential returns.
Alpha
Alpha refers to the excess return a trader generates above a benchmark, representing genuine skill and edge rather than simply benefiting from overall market movements.
Altcoin
Altcoins are all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin, ranging from major platforms like Ethereum to thousands of smaller tokens serving diverse purposes within the crypto ecosystem.
Anti Money Laundering (AML)
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) refers to a set of regulations requiring crypto exchanges and financial service providers to detect and prevent the use of digital assets for illicit activities.
Application Programming Interface (API)
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of protocols that allows software applications to communicate, enabling trading bots to access exchange data and execute trades programmatically.
Arbitrage
Arbitrage is a trading strategy that profits from price differences for the same asset across different exchanges or trading pairs, requiring fast execution to capture fleeting opportunities.
Ask Price
The ask price is the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for an asset, representing the minimum cost a buyer must pay for an immediate transaction on an exchange.
Asset Management
Crypto asset management involves using automated tools and trading bots to manage portfolio allocation, execute strategies, and maintain consistent risk controls across digital asset holdings.