Glossary · from the DESK dictionary
Ethereum
A blockchain platform launched in 2015 with programmable smart contracts, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.
In plain words
Ethereum is more than just digital money — developers can build their own applications (smart contracts) on it, from DeFi protocols to NFT marketplaces, with ETH as its native cryptocurrency.
What it means for traders
The foundation of the entire DeFi, NFT, and smart-contract ecosystem, by far the most important platform for decentralized applications.
Common pitfalls
High volatility; network fees (gas) can rise sharply during periods of high demand.
Related terms
EIP-1559 · ERC-20 · ERC-721 · Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) · Gavin Wood · Layer 1 · Polygon · Wei · zkSync
From the DESK dictionary. For information only, not investment advice.
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DESK is a research tool and not investment advice. Page generated: 2026-10-12.