> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.litho.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.litho.ai/docs/introduction/glossary.md). # Glossary Key terms and definitions used throughout the Lithosphere documentation. | Term | Definition | | ----------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **BFT** | Byzantine Fault-Tolerant. A consensus algorithm that guarantees safety for up to a third of Byzantine (malicious) actors. | | **Blockchain** | A growing list of records, called blocks, that are linked together using cryptography. | | **BSC** | Binance Smart Chain. | | **Burn** | A process by which digital currency miners and developers can remove tokens or coins from circulation. | | **CometBFT** | The consensus engine (formerly Tendermint Core) used by Cosmos SDK-based chains including Lithosphere. | | **Cosmovisor** | A process manager for Cosmos SDK-based blockchains that handles binary upgrades with minimal downtime. | | **Cross Chain** | The interoperability between two relatively independent blockchains. | | **DApps** | Decentralized Applications -- digital applications that run on a blockchain or peer-to-peer network of computers instead of a single computer. | | **DeFi** | Decentralized Finance -- financial applications built on blockchain technology without centralized intermediaries. | | **DEX** | Decentralized Exchange. | | **DKG** | Distributed Key Generation -- a cryptographic protocol where multiple parties jointly generate a key pair without any single party learning the full private key. | | **DNN** | Deep Neural Network -- used in Lithosphere to make smart contracts intelligent. | | **ECDSA** | Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm -- the signature algorithm used by Bitcoin, Ethereum, and supported by MDKM. | | **ERC** | Ethereum Request for Comments -- a standard for token contracts on Ethereum. | | **EVM** | Ethereum Virtual Machine -- a computation engine that acts like a decentralized computer. Lithosphere is EVM-compatible. | | **Interoperability** | The ability of computer systems or software to exchange and make use of information. | | **LAX** | Lithosphere Algorithmic Cryptocurrency -- an algorithmic stablecoin in the Lithosphere ecosystem. | | **LEP100** | Lithosphere Evolution Proposal 100 -- the multi-chain token standard for the Lithosphere network. | | **LinBFT** | Linear-communication BFT Protocol -- Lithosphere's consensus algorithm proposed by Dr. David Yang. | | **LITHO** | The native token of the Lithosphere network, used for transaction fees, staking, and governance. | | **LithoSwap** | Lithosphere's cross-chain decentralized exchange with NFT exchange support. | | **LithoVM** | Lithosphere's EVM-compatible virtual machine runtime. | | **Lock-in** | The process of establishing distributed control over a digital asset from another blockchain via MDKM. | | **Lock-out** | The reversal of Lock-in, returning control of a digital asset to its owner. | | **MDKM** | Myriad Distributed Key Management -- Lithosphere's system for distributed control and management of accounts and assets across blockchains. *(Roadmap — not yet on Makalu)* | | **NFT** | Non-Fungible Token -- a unit of data stored on a blockchain that certifies a unique digital asset. | | **Pegged Coins** | LEP100 tokens pegged to external assets (e.g., BTCL is BTC pegged to LEP100). | | **PoS** | Proof of Stake -- a consensus mechanism where validators stake tokens to participate in block production. | | **Ring Signature** | A cryptographic signature scheme that provides anonymity by combining the transaction sender with a group of decoy signers. *(Roadmap — not yet on Makalu)* | | **Threshold Signature** | A signature scheme requiring a minimum number (k) of participants out of a total (n) to produce a valid signature. *(Roadmap — not yet on Makalu)* | | **Time Slicing** | A LEP100 feature that adds start and end time attributes to tokens, enabling time-limited token utility. | | **Token** | A set of rules encoded in smart contracts. Each token belongs to a blockchain address and represents a digital asset stored on the blockchain. | | **Traction** | Drawing or pulling rate in a business context. | | **Usufruct** | The right to use and derive benefit from a digital asset without holding ownership, enabled by Lithosphere smart contracts. | | **Validator** | A node with positive voting power that participates in the consensus protocol by broadcasting cryptographic signatures to agree upon the next block. | | **VSS** | Variable (Verifiable) Secret Sharing -- a cryptographic technique used in MDKM for distributing private key shares. *(Roadmap — not yet on Makalu)* | | **White Paper** | A guide about a specific topic and the problems that surround it, meant to educate readers. |