seed phrase
A list of random words that unlocks access to your cryptocurrency.
A seed phrase is a sequence of 12 or 24 common English words generated randomly by cryptocurrency wallet software. This phrase is the master key to all the coins and tokens stored in that wallet. When you first create a wallet, the software generates your seed phrase and asks you to write it down and store it securely.
If you lose your phone or wallet software crashes, you can recover all your cryptocurrency by entering your seed phrase into any compatible wallet. This also means anyone who obtains your seed phrase can steal everything in that wallet. You should never share it, type it into websites, or take photos of it. When you see news about crypto theft, it often involves someone’s seed phrase being compromised.
Written once as a plain-English reference, not as advice. Nothing here is a recommendation to buy or sell anything.