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Glossary

Altcoin

Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin.

Altcoin

Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin.

In practice

Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Understanding it helps you read the rest of our coverage with confidence.

Frequently asked

Why does Altcoin matter?
Because it changes how you should read the numbers.
Is Altcoin the same everywhere?
Definitions vary slightly by region and source.

Related terms

GasThe fee paid to execute a transaction on a blockchain.BridgeA protocol that moves assets between blockchains.StablecoinA token designed to hold a steady value, usually pegged to a currency.DeFiDecentralised finance: financial services built on smart contracts.StakingLocking tokens to help secure a network in exchange for rewards.ETFAn exchange-traded fund: a basket of assets that trades like a share.

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