A blockchain is a decentralised, distributed digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. Once a transaction is recorded in a block and added to the chain, it cannot be altered. Bitcoin uses blockchain technology to record transactions without needing a bank or central authority. Ethereum's blockchain also supports smart contracts and decentralised applications.
Related Terms
Bitcoin is the world's first and largest cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi...
Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum is a programma...
An altcoin is any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. The term comes from 'alternative coin.' Altcoin...
Decentralised Finance (DeFi) refers to financial services built on blockchain technology that operat...
Market Navigator Glossary — plain-English definitions of 93+ investing and crypto terms. All content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.