Glossary Crypto & Web3
Bitcoin
The first widely used cryptocurrency, launched in 2009. Its supply is capped by its own software at 21 million coins, which is why supporters describe it as scarce and critics describe it as inflexible.
Seen in our coverage of Bitcoin
Stories where this term does real work, rather than appearing in passing.
More from the glossary
Lobbying
Seeking to influence legislation or regulation on behalf of an interest. Most jurisdictions require lobbyists to…
Margin call
A demand to add funds when a leveraged position moves against you. Fail to meet it…
Bid-ask spread
The gap between the highest price a buyer will pay and the lowest a seller will…
Smart contract
Code deployed to a blockchain that executes automatically when its conditions are met. It removes the…