A term used to describe coins that do not require expensive equipment for mining. If a coin is ASIC-resistant, its mining is thought to be more fair and decentralized than coins that are not ASIC-resistant.
ASIC-Resistant
API
Application Programmer Interface. A type of toolkit provided for developers for creating applications.
Atomic Swap
The exchange of one coin or token for another coin or token that takes place without the need for a third party. Atomic Swaps rely on smart contracts to ensure both parties hold up their end of the agreement.
AI | Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence. As machines advance in intelligence, they are capable of learning from their environments and completing more complex tasks.
Altcoin
Alternative Coin. Bitcoin is known as the first and foremost cryptocurrency, so any cryptocurrency that is not Bitcoin is an altcoin.
Andreas Antonopoulos
A famous advocate of Bitcoin who has given speeches and presentations about Bitcoin all over the world.
Accredited Investor
An investor who has a net worth of over $1 million and/or an annual salary over $200,000-300,000.
Address
A unique, alphanumeric identifier used as destination for transferring cryptocurrencies.
AML
Anti-Money Laundering. AML laws and restrictions require exchanges to obtain personal information about their customers and their activities.
ATH
All-Time High. The highest price a cryptocurrency has ever reached.
ATL
All-Time Low. The lowest price a cryptocurrency has ever reached.
ASIC Miners
Highly specialized computing machines that are far more efficient for mining than CPUs and GPUs. Jihan Wu (a Chinese businessman) is responsible for creating and selling many ASIC Miners.
Algorithm
A process for solving a mathematical problem. In blockchains consensus algorithms are used to verify transactions.
Airdrop
An event in which individuals that hold existing cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin and Ethereum) are given tokens of a new cryptocurrency.
Angel Investor
Wealthy individuals who contribute significant funds (usually over $1,000,000) to emerging projects.
Arbitrage
The practice of buying and selling the same coins on different exchanges at the same time to take advantage of price differences.
APR
APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. It's the interest rate charged during a whole year. For example: borrow $1,000 at 10% APR means at the end of the year you'll pay back $1,100. The extra $100 may be split into 12 payments, once per month, if that is how the creditor asks for them.
