Altcoin
Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin — the name comes from "alternative coin."
Altcoin is short for "alternative coin" — a term covering every cryptocurrency created after Bitcoin and other than it, regardless of whether it's a major project like Ethereum or Solana, or a small, speculative token. This category therefore covers both projects with real technological applications and memecoins created mainly for entertainment or speculation.
Altcoins can be noticeably more volatile than Bitcoin, especially those with lower market capitalization and liquidity, which means both higher potential returns and higher risk.
Related terms
Bitcoin
The first and still most recognizable cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto.
Market Capitalization (Market Cap)
The total value of all units of a given cryptocurrency in circulation, calculated as price multiplied by circulating supply.
HODL
Slang for the strategy of holding a cryptocurrency long-term regardless of price fluctuations, originating from a typo of the word "hold."