Glossary

English glossary for core Turtle Trading and trend-following terms.

This glossary explains common terms used throughout the documentation.

Term Meaning
ATR Average True Range, a common volatility measure.
Breakout Price moving beyond a defined recent high or low.
Donchian Channel A channel based on the highest high and lowest low over a lookback window.
Drawdown A decline from an equity peak to a later low.
Expectancy The average result of a repeated trading process.
N A Turtle-style volatility measure closely related to ATR.
Pyramiding Adding to a winning position according to predefined rules.
Slippage The difference between intended execution price and actual execution price.
True Range A volatility calculation that accounts for gaps as well as intraday range.
Unit A position size block calibrated by account equity and volatility.
Whipsaw A false or short-lived move that triggers entry and then reverses.

The terms are best understood as parts of a complete system. For example, a breakout without Unit sizing and stops is not the Turtle method. It is only a price trigger.