Introduction to Cryptocurrency and Public Relations
Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate in Cryptocurrency Public Relations course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Introduction to Cryptocurrency and Public Relations Glossary #
Introduction to Cryptocurrency and Public Relations Glossary
A #
A
Altcoin #
An abbreviation for "alternative coin," referring to any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin.
Address #
A string of alphanumeric characters that serves as a destination for a cryptocurrency transaction. It is similar to a bank account number.
Blockchain #
A decentralized, distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers. Each block contains a list of transactions, and once added, it cannot be altered.
B #
B
Bitcoin (BTC) #
The first and most well-known cryptocurrency created by an anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009.
Blockchain Explorer #
A tool that allows users to view information about blocks, addresses, and transactions on a blockchain network.
C #
C
Centralized #
A system where control and authority are concentrated in a single entity or organization.
Cryptocurrency #
Digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography for security and operate independently of central authorities.
Cryptography #
The practice of securing communication and information through the use of codes and ciphers.
D #
D
Decentralized #
A system where control and authority are distributed among multiple participants rather than concentrated in a single entity.
Digital Wallet #
Software or hardware that allows users to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies securely.
E #
E
Exchange #
A platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies.
Encryption #
The process of encoding information in such a way that only authorized parties can access it.
F #
F
Fork #
A split in the blockchain resulting in two separate chains with different protocols.
FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) #
Tactics used to spread negative or false information about a cryptocurrency to create panic and drive down prices.
G #
G
Genesis Block #
The first block in a blockchain.
H #
H
Hardware Wallet #
A physical device that stores the private keys necessary to access and manage cryptocurrency holdings securely.
Hash #
A unique string of characters generated by a cryptographic algorithm that represents the data in a block.
I #
I
ICO (Initial Coin Offering) #
A fundraising method in which a new cryptocurrency project sells tokens to early investors before launching the coin.
Immutable #
A characteristic of blockchain technology where once data is added to a block, it cannot be altered or deleted.
J #
J
Jackpotting #
A type of cyber attack in which hackers force Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) to dispense cash.
K #
K
Key Pair #
A pair of cryptographic keys consisting of a public key (to receive funds) and a private key (to access funds).
L #
L
Ledger #
A record of transactions maintained by a network of computers in a blockchain.
M #
M
Market Cap (Market Capitalization) #
The total value of a cryptocurrency calculated by multiplying the current price by the circulating supply.
Miner #
A participant in a cryptocurrency network who validates transactions and adds them to the blockchain.
N #
N
Node #
A computer connected to a blockchain network that helps maintain the network by validating transactions and blocks.
O #
O
Open Source #
Software that is freely available and can be modified and distributed by users.
P #
P
Private Key #
A secret code that allows users to access their cryptocurrency holdings.
Public Relations (PR) #
The practice of managing communication between an organization and its publics to build and maintain a positive reputation.
Q #
Q
QR Code (Quick Response Code) #
A two-dimensional barcode that stores information and can be scanned by a smartphone.
R #
R
ROI (Return on Investment) #
A measure used to evaluate the profitability of an investment relative to its cost.
S #
S
Smart Contract #
Self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code.
Security Token #
A type of cryptocurrency that represents ownership in an asset or company and is subject to securities regulations.
T #
T
Token #
A digital asset issued by a project that can represent a utility or asset.
Transaction Fee #
An amount paid to miners for processing and validating a cryptocurrency transaction.
U #
U
Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) #
The amount of cryptocurrency in a wallet that has not been spent and can be used as input for a new transaction.
V #
V
Volatility #
The degree of price fluctuation in a cryptocurrency over a specific period.
W #
W
Whitepaper #
A document that outlines the technical details, goals, and vision of a cryptocurrency project.
Wallet #
A digital tool that allows users to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies.
X #
X
XTZ (Tezos) #
A blockchain platform that supports smart contracts and decentralized applications.
Y #
Y
Yield Farming #
A strategy used in decentralized finance (DeFi) to earn rewards by providing liquidity to a liquidity pool.
Z #
Z
Zero #
Knowledge Proof: A cryptographic method that allows one party to prove the validity of a statement without revealing any additional information.