computing machine that typically hosts active server daemons.

A ratio used by investors and economists to assess the potential return on investment of an asset.

The use of asymmetric cryptography to sign a datum with a private key such that it can only be verified with a mathematically linked (yet distinct) public key, for the purposes of maintaining the datum’s integrity. Note: asymmetric encryption is similar to (but distinct from) asymmetric encryption. Signing is often used to vouch for the validity of blocks that are being confirmed by the blockchain network.

A mechanism used by PoS protocols to discourage behavior that may harm the network. Slashing is a financial penalty that validators review for acting incorrectly and irresponsibly (for double signing transactions and for downtime).

An automated contract written in computer code that are designed to trigger a certain action when a set of predetermined conditions are met.

Traditionally, the term snapshot refers to the ability to record the state of a computer system or storage device at a specific point in time. In the blockchain industry, a snapshot is often describing the act of recording the state of a blockchain on a particular block height.

An object-oriented, high-level language for implementing smart contracts on ethereum. Solidity is a curly-bracket language designed to target the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). It is influenced by C++, Python and JavaScript.

Computer code that is responsible for defining how a piece of software will function based on a list of instructions and statements.

A class of cryptocurrencies that attempt to offer price stability and are backed by a reserve asset.

A way of earning rewards for ‘holding’ (or ‘locking up’) certain cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies that allow staking use a “consensus mechanism” called Proof of Stake, which is the way they ensure that all transactions are verified and secured without a bank or payment processor in the middle. Your crypto, if you choose to stake it, becomes part of that process.

A pool where token holders can combine their holdings in order to increase their collective staking power in order to increase their chance of successfully validating a new block.

A two-way communication channel between two users or nodes on a network, or between a user and a service.

A commodity, asset or currency that can be acquired now and exchanged at a future date without experiencing a depreciation in its value.

A Protocol and software development kit of Polkadot

A SASS application that provides Identity verification services for individuals and corporations.

A computer or virtual machine that operates at the highest level possible with the currently available computing power.

The network and activities required by an organization to deliver goods or services to the consumer.

A Technical Analysis (TA) term used to describe when a price that is decreasing hits a level that triggers some buying pressure.

Synthetic tokens are collateral-backed tokens whose value fluctuates depending on the tokens' reference index. Synthetic tokens blend features of prediction markets, futures markets, and collateralized loans

The overall value of crypto assets deposited in a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol or in DeFi protocols generally. It has emerged as a key metric for gauging interest in that particular sector of the crypto industry.

Someone who fills an order that is currently open on the order book for an asset.

A slang term used to describe when the price of a financial asset has a strong negative performance.

Tendermint is software for securely and consistently replicating an application on many machines. It is the consensus mechanism used in the Cosmos blockchain ecosystem.

The trading ‘symbol’ or shortened name for a financial asset.

A digital unit issued on a blockchain that can hold value or be redeemed for an asset.