Glossary
Essential terminology for Web3, blockchain, IIIF, and museum standards explained simply.
Blockchain
Web3A distributed digital ledger that records transactions across many computers so that the record cannot be altered retroactively.
DAO
Web3Decentralized Autonomous Organization. An organization represented by rules encoded as a computer program that is transparent, controlled by the organization members and not influenced by a central government.
Digital Twin
TechnicalA virtual representation of an object or system that spans its lifecycle, is updated from real-time data, and uses simulation, machine learning to help decision-making.
IIIF
StandardsInternational Image Interoperability Framework. A set of shared application programming interface (API) specifications for delivering images over the web.
Metadata
GeneralData that provides information about other data. In cultural heritage, this includes artist name, date, medium, dimensions, and provenance.
Minting
Web3The process of uniquely publishing your token on the blockchain to make it purchasable.
NFT (Non-Fungible Token)
Web3A unique digital identifier that cannot be copied, substituted, or subdivided, that is recorded in a blockchain, and that is used to certify authenticity and ownership.
Phygital
GeneralThe bridging of the physical and digital worlds. In our context, linking a physical artwork to a digital blockchain record via NFC or QR codes.
Provenance
GeneralThe chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. We use blockchain to make this immutable and transparent.
Smart Contract
Web3A self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller being directly written into lines of code.