Term

Definition

Bitcoin

Digital currency/store of value/ledger and distributed network using blockchain for peer-to-peer digital transactions without intermediaries.

Blockchain

Public ledger recording all Bitcoin transactions chronologically in an immutable chain of ten-minute blocks Through “Proof of Work”.

Mining

Process of validating transactions and adding blocks to the blockchain, rewarded with new bitcoins.

Wallet

Software or hardware devices storing private keys to access and spend bitcoins which are addresses on the blockchain.

Private Key

Secret code proving bitcoin ownership held in a wallet, use to affix signature.

Address

String used to receive bitcoins, timestamped block location in alphanumerical format.

Block

Group of transactions added to the blockchain every 10 minutes.

Satoshi

Also known as a “Sat”, One 100 millionth of a bitcoin or about .00117 cents today. Hodler slogan: “Stack Sats”

Hash Rate

Measure of Bitcoin network’s processing power as a result of the “Proof of Work” energy contest crucial to the power of the network, now 900 exahashes a second (900 quintillion!)

Satoshi Nakamoto

Anonymous inventor of Bitcoin in 2009.

Altcoin

Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. 

Halving

Event reducing block reward size by half every four years, now 3.125 BTC.

Hodler

“Hold On for Dear Lifer”, one who never sells their bitcoin.