Glossary · E
Epoch
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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How Epoch works in practice
An epoch is a fixed period a protocol uses to batch operations — reward distribution, gauge votes, validator rotation. Epochs make state changes predictable, and they mean actions have a deadline rather than taking effect immediately.
Worked example
A protocol distributes rewards each Thursday. Depositing on Wednesday earns a full epoch's rewards; depositing on Friday means waiting nearly a week for the next distribution.
Figures are illustrative and chosen to be checkable, not live market data.
The mistake that costs people money
Missing an epoch boundary can mean forfeiting a full period's rewards or votes. Vote-escrow systems in particular tally at a specific block — being a few minutes late means the next cycle.
Epoch: common questions
- What is Epoch?
- 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.
- How does Epoch work in practice?
- An epoch is a fixed period a protocol uses to batch operations — reward distribution, gauge votes, validator rotation. Epochs make state changes predictable, and they mean actions have a deadline rather than taking effect immediately.
- Can you give an example of Epoch?
- A protocol distributes rewards each Thursday. Depositing on Wednesday earns a full epoch's rewards; depositing on Friday means waiting nearly a week for the next distribution.
- What do people get wrong about Epoch?
- Missing an epoch boundary can mean forfeiting a full period's rewards or votes. Vote-escrow systems in particular tally at a specific block — being a few minutes late means the next cycle.