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 11 of 77 terms
C
- Cold storage
Custody in which private keys never touch an internet-connected device.
Ownership and custody - Custodial wallet
A wallet in which a provider holds the keys on the user's behalf; the user holds a claim, not the keys.
Ownership and custody
H
- Hardware wallet
A dedicated physical device that keeps private keys isolated from internet-connected computers.
Ownership and custody
M
- Multisig
A setup that requires several keys to authorise a transaction, spreading risk across devices or people.
Ownership and custody
N
- Non-custodial / self-custody
Custody in which the user controls the keys directly, without an intermediary.
Ownership and custody
P
- Passphrase
An additional secret combined with a seed phrase to derive a separate set of keys.
Ownership and custody - Private key
The secret cryptographic key that controls assets on a blockchain; whoever holds it holds the assets.
Ownership and custody - Public key / address
The publicly shareable counterpart to a private key, used to receive funds.
Ownership and custody
S
- Seed phrase
A sequence of words from which a wallet's keys can be restored; the master backup.
Ownership and custody - Social recovery
A recovery method in which designated contacts or devices can help restore access without a single seed phrase.
Ownership and custody
W
- Wallet
Software, hardware or a procedure for managing keys and interacting with blockchain assets; a wallet holds keys, not coins.
Ownership and custody