Ethereum
A decentralized blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications.
Definition
Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as digital currency, Ethereum was designed as a programmable blockchain that supports smart contracts — self-executing programs that run when predetermined conditions are met. Ethereum's native cryptocurrency is Ether (ETH), the second-largest crypto by market cap. The platform transitioned from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus in September 2022 ("The Merge"), reducing energy consumption by approximately 99.95%. Ethereum powers most of the DeFi ecosystem, NFT marketplaces, and thousands of decentralized applications (dApps).
Related Terms
Cryptocurrency
A digital or virtual currency secured by cryptography that operates on decentralized networks.
CryptoBlockchain
A decentralized, distributed digital ledger that records transactions across many computers.
CryptoSmart Contract
A self-executing program stored on a blockchain that automatically enforces agreement terms.
CryptoDecentralized Finance (DeFi)
Financial services built on blockchain technology that operate without traditional intermediaries.