Learn · WhatTheChain Glossary
Glossary
Short, neutral definitions of the terms this platform uses. Every term has one identifier in all languages and links to the explainer that treats it in depth.
A–Z
Showing 14 of 77 terms
C
- CEX / DEX
Centralised exchange: operated by a company that holds customer funds. Decentralised exchange: a protocol that trades without central custody.
Markets
D
- Drawdown
The decline from a peak to a subsequent trough; a measure of the downside experienced.
Markets
E
- ETF / ETP
Exchange-traded funds and products that give exposure to an asset through a traditional brokerage account.
Markets
L
- Liquidity (market)
The ability to buy or sell an asset in size without moving its price much.
Markets
M
- Market capitalisation
Price per unit multiplied by circulating supply; a measure of size, not of liquidity or quality.
Markets
O
- On-ramp / off-ramp
The route from fiat money into crypto, and back.
Markets - Order book
The list of open buy and sell orders on an exchange.
Markets
P
- Peg / depeg
The intended link of a stablecoin to its reference value, and its breakdown.
Markets
R
- Reserve
The assets backing a stablecoin, held by its issuer.
Markets
S
- Slippage
The difference between the expected and the executed price, usually caused by low liquidity or large orders.
Markets - Spread
The difference between the best buy and sell prices.
Markets - Stablecoin
A crypto asset designed to hold a stable value against a reference such as the US dollar or the euro.
Markets
V
- Volatility
The intensity of price fluctuation over time.
Markets
W
- Whale
A holder of a very large amount of an asset, whose actions can move the market.
Markets