Immutable
A property that cannot be changed. In blockchain, immutability guarantees that once data is recorded, it cannot be altered or deleted, critical for trustless systems.
Impermanent Loss
A temporary loss in value that liquidity providers face when token prices fluctuate compared to simply holding the tokens. It becomes “permanent” only if the position is withdrawn at an unfavorable price.
In-the-Money / Out-of-the-Money
Options trading terms. An option is in-the-money (ITM) when it has intrinsic value, meaning exercising it would result in profit. It’s out-of-the-money (OTM) when exercising it would lead to a loss.
Infinite Approval
A smart contract permission that allows unlimited access to a wallet’s tokens. Often used for convenience, but risky if the contract is compromised.
Infinite Mint Attack
A critical vulnerability where an attacker exploits a bug in a protocol to create unlimited tokens, leading to inflation and collapse of token value.
Inflation
An increase in the supply of currency or tokens that decreases their purchasing power. In crypto, some projects deliberately include inflation to fund network operations or rewards.
Initial Bounty Offering (IBO)
A fundraising model where contributors earn tokens by providing skills or services (like development or marketing), instead of investing money.
Initial Coin Offering (ICO)
A method used by blockchain projects to raise capital by selling newly created tokens. ICOs were popular from 2017 to 2018 but are now replaced by more regulated offerings.
Initial DEX Offering (IDO)
A form of token sale that occurs on a decentralized exchange (DEX), allowing immediate trading and broader access compared to centralized ICOs.
Initial Exchange Offering (IEO)
A token sale administered by a centralized exchange, which vets the project and lists the token directly post-sale.
Initial Farm Offering (IFO)
A token distribution model where users stake existing tokens (often LP tokens) on a decentralized exchange to receive new project tokens.
Initial Game Offering (IGO)
A model for funding blockchain-based games, allowing early supporters to acquire tokens or NFTs tied to in-game ecosystems.
Initial NFT Offering (INO)
A way for NFT projects to raise capital by offering pre-sale NFTs via a launchpad, often used to bootstrap ecosystems.
Initial Public Offering (IPO)
In traditional finance, an IPO is when a company lists shares on a public stock market for the first time. It's similar in spirit to crypto fundraising models like ICOs.
Initial Stake Pool Offering (ISPO)
Used in the Cardano ecosystem, this model lets users delegate staking rewards to a project in exchange for its native tokens, without spending funds directly.
Initial Token Offering (ITO)
Similar to an ICO but emphasizes utility. Tokens sold are meant for direct use within a project’s ecosystem or software, not just speculation.
Input Output Global (IOG)
Previously known as IOHK (Input Output Hong Kong), this is the tech firm behind Cardano. Founded by Charles Hoskinson, it focuses on blockchain infrastructure and academic research.
Insider Trading
When someone trades assets based on material, non-public information. It’s illegal in traditional markets and frowned upon in crypto, though enforcement varies.
Instamine
Occurs when a significant portion of a cryptocurrency’s supply is distributed to early users or insiders shortly after launch. Can damage trust and token value.
Instant Settlement Layer
A network or layer that allows for near real-time asset transfers and settlements, eliminating delays typically found in traditional banking systems.
Institutional Investor
Organizations like hedge funds, banks, or asset managers that trade large volumes of crypto on behalf of clients or themselves, often through OTC or algorithmic trading.
Insurance Fund
A pool maintained by derivatives exchanges to cover trader losses in case of unexpected liquidation events, ensuring counterparties aren’t left unpaid.
Integrated Application
Apps that combine blockchain-specific benefits like composability and on-chain data access with broader system capabilities such as scalability or user-friendliness.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
A software toolkit for developers that combines source code editing, debugging, compiling, and testing into a single interface. Widely used in smart contract development.
Intellectual Property (IP)
Legal rights to creations like software, logos, content, or inventions. Projects often protect branding and technology with IP rights.
Intent
A user’s declared goal or outcome, such as buying a token or closing a position, used in intent-based trading systems where routing logic finds the best execution.
Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC)
A protocol allowing independent blockchains to transfer data and assets between each other. Key to multichain ecosystems like Cosmos.
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)
The parent company of the New York Stock Exchange. Though not a crypto-native entity, ICE is influential in global finance and has crypto exposure via subsidiaries.
Interest Rate
The amount charged or earned based on borrowed or lent funds. In DeFi, protocols offer variable interest rates depending on demand and liquidity.
Intermediary / Middleman
A third-party entity that facilitates transactions or relationships. One of crypto’s core missions is to reduce reliance on intermediaries.
Internal Transaction
A transaction initiated by a smart contract rather than a wallet. Also called a “message call,” it's invisible on block explorers unless traced.
Internet Layer
Part of the TCP/IP model responsible for routing data across the internet. Relevant in Web3 discussions about decentralized infrastructure.
Internet Meme
Humorous or viral media often spread in the crypto space to explain complex ideas, create community, or mock scams and hype cycles.
Internet of Things (IoT)
A network of devices connected via the internet. In blockchain, IoT can use smart contracts for data verification or device coordination.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
A company that provides internet access. Some decentralized projects aim to replace ISPs with mesh or peer-to-peer networks.
Interoperability
The ability of different blockchains to communicate or share data. A major theme in crypto scaling and usability discussions.
InterPlanetary File System (IPFS)
A peer-to-peer protocol for storing and sharing files in a decentralized way. Often used for hosting NFT metadata and decentralized websites.
Intrinsic Value
The real or fundamental value of an asset, based on utility or underlying metrics, not just its market price.
Invest
The act of allocating capital in expectation of a future return. In crypto, investment spans tokens, NFTs, DeFi pools, and startups.
Investment Vehicle
An instrument used to gain exposure to assets, includes mutual funds, ETFs, tokenized assets, and staking pools.
IOU (I Owe You)
An informal acknowledgment of debt. In crypto, IOUs are sometimes used in OTC deals or centralized exchanges to track assets temporarily.
IP Address
A unique identifier for devices on a network. While not inherently crypto-related, it's relevant in security, DDoS protection, and geofencing.
Isolated Margin
A margin trading mode where each position’s collateral is independent. Helps limit losses by keeping funds segregated per trade.