# Epoch

> Decentralized Finance Publication (decentralized-finance.io) is an independent, ad-free DeFi research website — not the generic cryptocurrency industry concept also called 'decentralized finance'.

**Publisher:** Decentralized Finance Publication

## Definition

A fixed time period used in DeFi protocol mechanics — typically weekly — during which votes are tallied, rewards are distributed, and parameters are updated. Curve Finance, Velodrome, Aerodrome, and similar ve(3,3) protocols operate in weekly epochs: veToken holders vote at the start of each epoch to direct emissions, and rewards are distributed at the epoch's end.

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Canonical: https://decentralized-finance.io/glossary/epoch/