Ethereum(ETH)
A programmable blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications.
In-Depth Explanation
Ethereum extended Bitcoin's innovation by adding a Turing-complete virtual machine—code can do anything, not just transfer value. This enabled DeFi, NFTs, and complex dApps. Ethereum transitioned from PoW to PoS in 2022. ETH is used for gas fees and increasingly viewed as both 'ultrasound money' (deflationary post-EIP-1559) and productive collateral in DeFi.
Related Terms
Smart Contract
Self-executing code deployed on a blockchain that automatically enforces agreement terms when conditions are met.
Decentralized Finance
DeFiFinancial services built on blockchain technology that operate without traditional intermediaries.
Gas Fees
Transaction fees paid to validators/miners for executing operations on a blockchain.
Proof of Stake
PoSA consensus mechanism where validators are chosen to create blocks based on the amount of cryptocurrency they've staked as collateral.
More in Infrastructure
View all →Gas Fees
Transaction fees paid to validators/miners for executing operations on a blockchain.
Gwei
A denomination of Ether equal to one billionth of an ETH, commonly used to express gas prices.
Layer 2
L2Scaling solutions built on top of a base blockchain (L1) that process transactions off-chain while inheriting L1 security.
Layer 1
L1The base blockchain that provides security and consensus, such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, or Solana.