Altcoin
The term "altcoin" is used to refer to any cryptocurrency other than bitcoin. "Altcoin" is a portmanteau for "alternative" and "money." Since the creation of Bitcoin in 2009, thousands of other cryptocurrencies have been developed, each with their own unique features, goals and technologies. These new cryptocurrencies are often referred to as "altcoins" to distinguish them from Bitcoin.
Some altcoins aim to improve bitcoin’s shortcomings, such as scalability or transaction speed. Others serve specific purposes rather than being digital currencies, such as providing a platform for decentralized applications (e.g., Ethereum) or providing advanced privacy (e.g., Monero).
Altcoins can vary greatly in terms of popularity, market capitalization and usage. It is important to research and understand each altcoin individually before investing or using them, as they may have different features, objectives, and uptake Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile, and the price of altcoins can fluctuate widely . . . .