From Bitcoin to blockchain: Key cryptocurrency terms and what they mean

Bitcoin's price sinking to a recent low, nearing $60,000 (£44,500) in value, has thrust the buzzy world of cryptocurrencies back into the spotlight.

The world's most valuable digital currency makes headlines when it soars to all time highs or plummets in value - seen several times in 2026 with dips in price to levels not witnessed since before US President Donald Trump took office .

But crypto market booms and crashes are often accompanied by confusing terms like ETFs, blockchains and stablecoins, making it all somewhat tricky to navigate.

If you're hearing these for the first time, or could do with a refresher, here are some key terms and what they mean.

While many may struggle with the finer points of crypto, pretty much everyone has heard of its most famous product: Bitcoin. But what actually is it?

Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency, which is to say a type of digital currency. Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin is not controlled by centralised financial institutions.

This makes it popular for people who think decentralisation can bring financial freedom, but it also makes it extremely volatile with it rising and falling in value at the whim of Bitcoin buyers and sellers.

Donald Trump has pledged to make the US the "crypto capital of the world" - backtracking on his previous claim that Bitcoin was a "scam" .