> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://auraonbnb.gitbook.io/doc/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://auraonbnb.gitbook.io/doc/final/glossary.md). # Glossary ### Understanding Key Blockchain and Web3 Terms This glossary provides definitions of common blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Web3 terminology referenced throughout this whitepaper. It is intended to help readers of all experience levels better understand the concepts that underpin the Aura ecosystem. *** #### Airdrop A distribution of cryptocurrency tokens to users, typically used to reward community members, encourage adoption, or promote ecosystem growth. *** #### BEP-20 The technical token standard used on the **BNB Smart Chain (BSC)**. It defines how tokens are created, transferred, and managed while ensuring compatibility with wallets, decentralized exchanges, and blockchain applications. *** #### Blockchain A decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across a distributed network of computers. Once recorded, transactions cannot easily be altered, providing transparency and security. *** #### BNB Smart Chain (BSC) A blockchain network designed to support smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Aura is deployed on the BNB Smart Chain using the BEP-20 token standard. *** #### Burn The permanent removal of cryptocurrency tokens from circulation by sending them to an inaccessible blockchain address. Token burns reduce the circulating supply and cannot be reversed. *** #### Centralized Exchange (CEX) A cryptocurrency exchange operated by a centralized company that facilitates the buying, selling, and trading of digital assets. Examples include Binance, Bybit, and MEXC. *** #### Circulating Supply The number of tokens currently available for trading and held by users in the market. *** #### Community Governance A decentralized decision-making process that allows eligible token holders to vote on proposals affecting the future direction of a blockchain project. *** #### Consensus The process by which participants in a blockchain network agree on the validity of transactions before they are permanently recorded. *** #### Cryptocurrency A digital or virtual asset secured through cryptography and operated on blockchain technology without requiring traditional financial intermediaries. *** #### Decentralization The distribution of authority and decision-making across a network rather than relying on a single central organization or individual. *** #### Decentralized Application (dApp) An application that operates on blockchain technology rather than centralized servers. Future Aura ecosystem products may include decentralized applications. *** #### Decentralized Exchange (DEX) A blockchain-based platform that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies directly from their wallets without relying on a centralized intermediary. *** #### DeFi (Decentralized Finance) A blockchain-based financial ecosystem that enables services such as trading, lending, borrowing, and staking without traditional financial institutions. *** #### Gas Fee The transaction fee paid to process operations on a blockchain network. On the BNB Smart Chain, gas fees are paid using BNB. *** #### Governance The framework through which decisions regarding a blockchain project's development, policies, and future direction are made. *** #### Holder An individual or organization that owns cryptocurrency tokens. *** #### Liquidity The availability of tokens within a trading pool, enabling users to buy or sell assets efficiently with minimal price impact. *** #### Liquidity Pool A pool of tokens locked within a decentralized exchange to facilitate trading between different cryptocurrencies. *** #### Market Capitalization (Market Cap) The total market value of a cryptocurrency, calculated by multiplying its current market price by its circulating supply. *** #### Minting The process of creating new cryptocurrency tokens. Aura operates with a fixed supply, meaning no additional tokens are intended to be minted beyond the original allocation. *** #### Roadmap A strategic development plan outlining the project's planned milestones, objectives, and future initiatives. *** #### Smart Contract Self-executing software deployed on a blockchain that automatically performs predefined functions when specified conditions are met. *** #### Staking A mechanism that allows token holders to voluntarily lock their cryptocurrency in support of an ecosystem or protocol, often in exchange for rewards. Staking is part of Aura's long-term roadmap. *** #### Token A digital asset created on an existing blockchain that can represent value, utility, access, governance rights, or other functions within an ecosystem. *** #### Tokenomics The economic design of a cryptocurrency project, including token supply, allocation, distribution, incentives, and utility. *** #### Utility Token A cryptocurrency designed primarily to provide access to products, services, or features within a blockchain ecosystem rather than representing ownership in a company. *** #### Wallet A software application or hardware device that securely stores cryptocurrency and allows users to send, receive, and manage digital assets. *** #### Web3 The next generation of the internet built on decentralized blockchain technology, enabling users to own digital assets, participate in decentralized applications, and interact without relying on centralized platforms. *** #### Whitepaper A comprehensive document that explains a blockchain project's vision, technology, tokenomics, roadmap, governance, and ecosystem. It serves as the primary reference for investors, community members, developers, and partners seeking to understand the project. *** ### Acronyms | Acronym | Meaning | | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------- | | **AURA** | Native token of the Aura ecosystem | | **BEP-20** | Binance Smart Chain Token Standard | | **BNB** | Native cryptocurrency of the BNB Smart Chain | | **BSC** | BNB Smart Chain | | **CEX** | Centralized Exchange | | **DAO** | Decentralized Autonomous Organization | | **dApp** | Decentralized Application | | **DeFi** | Decentralized Finance | | **DEX** | Decentralized Exchange | | **DYOR** | Do Your Own Research | | **NFT** | Non-Fungible Token | | **TVL** | Total Value Locked | | **Web3** | Decentralized Internet powered by blockchain technology |