noun

blockchain

BLOK-chayn

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Blockchain (noun) means a shared digital record of transactions that many computers hold copies of, where new entries can be added but earlier ones cannot be quietly changed or removed. Example: “Every transfer is written to the blockchain, so anyone can look it up later.”

noun

A shared digital record of transactions that many computers hold copies of, where new entries can be added but earlier ones cannot be quietly changed or removed.

"Every transfer is written to the blockchain, so anyone can look it up later."

"The company claims its shipping records are stored on a blockchain."

One particular network of this kind, with its own rules and its own copy of the records.

"The token exists on a different blockchain from the one her wallet supports."

adjective

Relating to, built on, or making use of such a record.

"They are piloting a blockchain system for tracking coffee shipments."

How to use blockchain

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA shared list of records that lots of computers keep copies of, and that nobody can secretly edit.

When to use it

Neutral and technical, though it became a marketing buzzword in the late 2010s and is sometimes used loosely for any shared database.

Memory tip

A blockchain is not a currency. It is the record book. Bitcoin is a currency that is written into one.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cryptocurrency → distributed ledger database → Bitcoin →

Common pairings

public blockchain private blockchain blockchain technology on the blockchain record on a blockchain blockchain network

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “blockchain” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Every transfer is written to the _____, so anyone can look it up later.

Etymology

A compound of block and chain, from the way records are grouped into blocks that are each linked to the one before, forming a chain.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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distributed ledger shared ledger chain distributed database network protocol on-chain distributed-ledger

Antonyms

centralised database

Related words

system series policy range network web net chain

Rhymes for blockchain

ain rain pain lain gain main vain fain bain Iain Jain Cain

See all rhymes for blockchain →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a blockchain and a normal database?

A normal database usually sits with one organisation, which can edit or delete rows at will. A blockchain is copied across many independent computers that must agree before anything is added, and older entries are chained together so altering one would visibly break the rest.

Is a blockchain the same as a cryptocurrency?

No. A blockchain is the record-keeping system; a cryptocurrency is a kind of digital money whose balances are recorded on one. A blockchain can just as easily hold records of documents, votes or shipments.

Can anything on a blockchain be deleted?

On a typical public blockchain, entries are append-only: new records are added rather than old ones edited, and the chained structure makes past entries very difficult to alter once many computers have accepted them. Private or permissioned systems may set different rules.

What is the meaning of blockchain?

"blockchain" (noun) means a shared digital record of transactions that many computers hold copies of, where new entries can be added but earlier ones cannot be quietly changed or removed.

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system series policy range network web net chain