Altcoin
Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin, ranging from major platforms like Ethereum to obscure tokens.
In-Depth Explanation
Altcoin (alternative coin) encompasses everything from Ethereum to memecoins. The term reflects Bitcoin's dominance as the original cryptocurrency. Altcoins often promise improvements over Bitcoin—faster transactions, smart contracts, privacy features—with varying degrees of success and decentralization. 'Altseason' refers to periods when altcoins outperform Bitcoin.
Related Terms
Bitcoin
BTCThe first and largest cryptocurrency, created by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009 as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system.
Ethereum
ETHA programmable blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications.
Token
A digital asset created on an existing blockchain, as opposed to a native cryptocurrency like ETH or BTC.
More in Tokenomics
View all →Emissions
New tokens distributed by a protocol as incentives, typically to liquidity providers or users.
Liquidity Mining
Earning token rewards by providing liquidity to a DeFi protocol.
Token Buyback
When a protocol uses revenue to purchase its own token from the open market, reducing circulating supply.
Dividend
Direct distribution of protocol revenue to tokenholders, typically in ETH, stablecoins, or the protocol's native token.