Solana terminology glossary
Definitions for words you will encounter in wallet apps, block explorers, and our guides. Updated when interfaces change.
- Seed phrase (recovery phrase)
- A list of 12 or 24 words generated when you create a wallet. Anyone with these words can control every asset in that wallet. Store offline; never type into a website or send by message.
- Private key
- The secret cryptographic key derived from your seed phrase. Wallet apps hide this behind a password or biometrics. Exporting it carries the same risk as sharing your seed phrase.
- Public key (wallet address)
- A long string of letters and numbers others use to send you SOL or tokens. Safe to share. Cannot be used to spend your funds.
- Transaction signature
- A unique identifier for a completed on-chain action. You can paste it into Solscan or Solana Explorer to see what happened.
- Token approval
- Permission you grant to a smart contract allowing it to move specific tokens from your wallet up to a set limit. Old approvals from unused dApps remain active until revoked.
- Revoke
- The act of canceling a token approval. Done through your wallet settings or a block explorer. Recommended after using unfamiliar dApps.
- Drainer
- A malicious website or contract designed to steal wallet contents after you connect and approve a transaction. Often disguised as airdrops or NFT mints.
- Phishing link
- A URL that mimics a legitimate dApp or wallet site. May use similar spelling, subdomains, or homoglyph characters to trick you into connecting.
- SPL token
- A token built on Solana following the SPL standard — similar to ERC-20 on Ethereum. USDC on Solana is an SPL token.
- RPC endpoint
- The server your wallet uses to read blockchain data and submit transactions. Wallet apps select this automatically; advanced users can change it in settings.
- Hardware wallet
- A physical device that stores private keys offline. You confirm transactions on the device screen, reducing exposure to malware on your computer.
- Hot wallet
- A software wallet connected to the internet — browser extensions and mobile apps. Convenient for daily use; keep smaller amounts here.
- Block explorer
- A website like Solscan or Solana Explorer where you look up addresses, transactions, and token holdings on the public ledger.
- Gas fee (network fee)
- A small SOL amount paid to validators for processing your transaction. Solana fees are typically fractions of a cent.
- Program ID
- The address of a smart contract on Solana. When reviewing a suspicious transaction, check whether the program ID matches the official project documentation.
- WalletConnect
- A protocol letting mobile wallets connect to desktop dApps via a QR code. Legitimate when initiated from a trusted site; scammers replicate the prompt on fake pages.
- Simulated transaction
- A preview some wallets show before you sign, listing token movements. Read this carefully — a drain often shows your tokens leaving without anything coming in.
- Multisig
- A wallet requiring multiple signatures to approve a transaction. Used by teams; uncommon for individual holders.
- Associated Token Account (ATA)
- A dedicated on-chain account holding a specific SPL token for your wallet. Your wallet may create one automatically when you first receive a new token.
- Cold storage
- Keeping keys completely offline — paper, metal, or hardware wallet without regular internet connection. Used for long-term holdings.
Missing a term? Suggest an addition and we will consider it for the next glossary update.