# cryptoTakeOne

By [MartyRules](https://paragraph.com/@martyrules) · 2023-09-13

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**What is cryptocurrency?**

*   Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security.
    
*   A defining feature of a cryptocurrency, and arguably its most endearing allure, is its organic nature.
    
*   Cryptocurrencies use decentralized control as opposed to centralized digital currency and central banking systems.
    
*   The decentralized control of each cryptocurrency works through blockchain technology.
    
*   A blockchain is a distributed database that is managed by a network of computers.
    
*   Each block in the chain contains a number of transactions, and every time a new transaction occurs on the blockchain, a record of that transaction is added to every participant’s ledger.
    
*   The decentralized database managed by multiple participants is known as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).
    
*   Cryptocurrencies are often traded on decentralized exchanges and can also be used to purchase goods and services.

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*Originally published on [MartyRules](https://paragraph.com/@martyrules/cryptotakeone)*