Decentralized Application
A decentralized application is a software program operating on a peer-to-peer network. It runs independently on the internet using smart contracts, outside the control of a single entity or authority.
Decentralized Automous Organization (DAO)
A decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) is a community with no centralized authority, in which members collectively make decisions in a bottom-up manner regarding its governance and operation.
Decentralized Exchange (DEX)
A decentralized exchange (DEX) is a peer-to-peer marketplace that allows users to directly trade with each other. It doesn’t need a custodian or intermediary to hold the users’ funds or facilitate transactions.
Decentralized Finance
Decentralized Finance (DeFI) refers to financial applications and services that are built on a blockchain and operate without a central governing authority (hence, “decentralized”).
Degen
In the context of the crypto community, "degen" is short for "degenerate" and is often used to refer to a person who is involved in high-risk, speculative trading or investing in cryptocurrencies.
Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS)
Delegated proof-of-stake is a consensus mechanism which allows users of a network to vote and elect delegates who will validate transactions on that network.
Derivatives
Derivatives are products or contracts that obtain their value from an underlying asset like stocks, bonds, commodities, or cryptocurrencies.
Digital Signature
A digital signature is an encrypted, electronic imprint that authenticates digital information, software or messages. Like a handwritten signature, it verifies the identity and origin of data.
Distributed Ledger
A distributed ledger is a record or database spread across a network that is accessible from several geographical locations.
Dollar Cost Averaging
Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) is a strategy that involves investing a fixed amount in any asset like digital asset at regular intervals.
Double Spending
Double spending is a scenario where an individual manages or attempts to use the same units of a currency more than once for valid transactions.
DYOR
DYOR (Do Your Own Research) is a common crypto slang referring to the idea that investors should conduct extensive research before investing in a project.