Glossary
Crypto glossary
Every term links to the moments in history where it mattered.
Halving
A halving is a scheduled cut in the new coins miners earn per block. Bitcoin halves every 210,000 blocks, about every four years.
Hard fork
A hard fork is a rule change that old software rejects, which can split a blockchain into two.
Soft fork
A soft fork tightens a blockchain's rules in a way older nodes still accept.
Proof of work
Proof of work secures a blockchain by making miners spend computing power to add blocks.
Proof of stake
Proof of stake secures a blockchain with validators who lock up coins as collateral.
Security (in crypto law)
In US law, a token sale can be a securities offering if buyers invest expecting profits from others' efforts.
Updated
Sources
Facts written in our own words. Last checked Oct 14, 2026.