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  • DAG

    Abbreviation for directed acyclic graph. A DAG is a ledger that stores transaction in a graph format which points in one direction and is non-circular (acyclic). DAGS are an alternative to a blockchain architecture and can be used to store data for Crypto projects. DAGs allow for multiple chains of blocks to co-exist and for network nodes to exist in parallel, as long as information is directed in the same way.

  • DAO

    Short for Decentralized Autonomous Organization. A DAO is an organization that is governed by predetermined smart contracts.

  • DAO

    Abbreviation for Decentralized Autonomous Organization. Sometimes called a decentralized autonomous corporation (DAC), is an organization that is not controlled by a central entity and is governed by smart contracts.

  • DApp

    Abbreviation for distributed application. A computer application that runs on a distributed computing system and is not under centralized control. Many cryptocurrencies serve as mediums of exchange for DApps.

  • Dark Pool

    An exchange specifically created to avoid the transparency of public exchanges. Usually intended to ensure the liquidity for large trades by concealing their details from the public until after they are executed. Dark pools are used by investors that want to trade a large order without influencing the price of the asset on public exchanges.

  • Darknet

    The part of the internet that is not easily accessible to the general public and requires a special software (like TOR) to access. Websites on the Darknet, such as the Silk Road, were the first to use cryptocurrencies for transactions.

  • Decentralized

    Distributed or delegated away from a central, authoritative location or group. Decentralization is a defining characteristic of blockchain networks.

  • Decentralized Identity Foundation (DIF)

    A group of organizations working together to create a universally-accepted identity verification system. The DIF uses blockchain to create a system that doesn't require a centralized authority for identification purposes.

  • Deflation

    The limiting or decreasing of a cryptocurrency's supply, which usually drives its price up.

  • Delegated Byzantine Fault Tolerance (dBFT)

    A consensus mechanism introduced by the Chinese Crypto project NEO. dBFT allows token holders to vote for professional nodes that confirm transactions and create the next blocks. If two thirds or more of the nodes agree, that block is written onto the chain.

  • Desktop Client

    An application designed to run on a user's personal computer. It accesses a service made available by a server that is commonly located on another computer system.

  • Desktop Wallet

    A software program that enables its users to store cryptocurrency on their personal computer.

  • DEX

    Abbreviation for decentralized exchange. A DEX is a decentralized platform that isn't controlled by any single entity and allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.

  • Difficulty

    A measure of how difficult it is to find a new block. The Bitcoin network has a global block difficulty. The difficulty is adjusted periodically as a function of how much hashing power has been deployed by the network of miners.

  • Digital Asset

    A non-physical or electronic record that has value and can be owned, licensed, or controlled. Aside from cryptocurrencies, digital assets may refer to any online account or digital file that the user has authority to access.

  • Digital Asset Array

    A portfolio or collection of cryptocurrencies.

  • Digital Signature

    An encrypted output that is unique and cannot be duplicated. Digital signatures are important for confirming the authenticity and integrity of digital messages and documents. They are a standard aspect of most cryptographic protocols that are used in financial transactions and in other cases where it is important to detect forgery or tampering.

  • Distributed Network

    A network in which computer programming, data, and software are spread out across more than one device. Distributed networks are designed to share resources to achieve a similar goal.

  • Double Spend

    When the same single digital token or coin is spent more than once. The risk of double spending is a potential problem unique to digital currencies that arises because digital information can be reproduced easily. Each cryptocurrency has a consensus mechanism that confirms transactions and ensures that the same token/coin are not spent twice.

  • DPoS

    Short for Delegated Proof of Stake. DPoS is a consensus mechanism where the nodes of the blockchain vote for delegates that will confirm transactions and create the next block.

  • DPoW

    Abbreviation for delayed proof of work. DPoW is a consensus mechanism that allows one blockchain to take advantage of the security and hashing power of a second blockchain.