Satoshi (Sat)

The smallest unit of Bitcoin, equal to 0.00000001 BTC.

Blockchain

The underlying technology of Bitcoin, a decentralized ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.

Wallet

A digital tool that allows users to make electronic transactions with Bitcoin.

Private and Public Keys

Cryptographic keys that are central to Bitcoin security, with the private key used to sign transactions and access one’s funds, and the public key used as an address to receive funds.

Cryptographic Hash Functions

Particularly SHA-256 in Bitcoin, used for mining and the creation of addresses.

Mining

The process of validating transactions and adding them to the blockchain while earning new bitcoins as a reward.

Proof of Work (PoW)

A consensus algorithm used in Bitcoin to prevent double-spending and maintain trustless consensus.

Block Reward

The reward miners receive for solving the cryptographic puzzle related to a block.

Bitcoin Halving

An event occurring approximately every four years, where the block reward for miners is halved, reducing the rate at which new bitcoins are created.

Exchange

Platforms where people can buy, sell, or trade Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Market Order

An order to buy or sell Bitcoin immediately at the current market price.

Limit Order

An order to buy or sell Bitcoin at a specific price or better, which can help manage trading strategies.

Stop Order

An order that becomes a market order once the price of Bitcoin reaches a specified level.

Liquidity

The ease with which an asset, like Bitcoin, can be bought or sold in the market without affecting its price.

Volatility

The degree of variation in Bitcoin’s price over time, often considered high compared to traditional assets.

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt)

Common emotional drivers in the crypto trading community that can significantly impact market behavior.

HODL

A misspelling of “hold” that has become a mantra in the crypto community for long-term investing.

Arbitrage

The practice of taking advantage of a price difference between two or more markets, a common strategy in crypto trading.