Blockchain glossary
Plain-English definitions for the terms that appear throughout the BlockScope learning library.
Address
A network-specific identifier used as a destination or reference for blockchain transactions.
Attestation
A validator message supporting a view of blockchain state in some proof-of-stake protocols.
Bitcoin
A proof-of-work blockchain network whose native asset is BTC.
Block
A protocol-defined batch of transaction or state data added to blockchain history.
Blockchain
A distributed-ledger design in which ordered records are linked and validated under shared rules.
BTC
The native asset and accounting unit of the Bitcoin network.
Consensus
Rules and processes that help distributed nodes converge on a canonical history.
Custody
Control of the keys or account systems that authorize digital-asset transactions.
ETH
The native asset of the Ethereum network.
Ethereum
A programmable blockchain network using proof of stake and smart contracts.
Finality
The point at which accepted blockchain history becomes difficult or protocol-invalid to reverse.
Gas
Ethereum's accounting unit for computational work.
Node
A computer running software that participates in a blockchain network.
Proof of Stake
A consensus family using protocol-recognized stake and validator participation.
Proof of Work
A consensus approach based on computational work and a difficulty target.
Slashing
A protocol penalty for specific validator behavior that threatens proof-of-stake consensus.
Smart contract
Program code deployed to a blockchain execution environment.
Stablecoin
A digital token designed around a reference value, often a fiat currency.
Staking
Participation or value commitment under proof-of-stake rules; the term is also used by third-party services.
USDT
A stablecoin token issued by Tether and available on multiple blockchain networks.
Validator
A proof-of-stake participant that performs duties such as proposing or attesting to blocks.
Wallet
Software or hardware used to manage cryptographic keys and blockchain interactions.