proper noun

Ethereum

ih-THEER-ee-uhm

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Ethereum (proper noun) means a public blockchain network, launched in 2015, on which people can run small programs as well as send payments. It is the network most widely used for smart contracts, tokens and NFTs. Example: “The token was issued on Ethereum, so the fees are paid in Ether.”

proper noun

A public blockchain network, launched in 2015, on which people can run small programs as well as send payments. It is the network most widely used for smart contracts, tokens and NFTs.

"The token was issued on Ethereum, so the fees are paid in Ether."

"Developers chose Ethereum because so many wallets already support it."

noun

informal, imprecise Loosely, the currency used on that network, whose proper name is Ether and whose ticker symbol is ETH.

"He sold some Ethereum to cover the transaction fees."

How to use Ethereum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA widely used blockchain that can run small programs, not just move money.

When to use it

Capitalised. Careful writers use "Ethereum" for the network and "Ether" or "ETH" for the currency, though the two are often mixed up in everyday speech.

Memory tip

If you are talking about a price or an amount you hold, the precise word is Ether or ETH: "two ETH", not "two Ethereums".

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

Ether → ETH → Bitcoin → ERC-20

Common pairings

on Ethereum the Ethereum network Ethereum smart contract Ethereum wallet Ethereum gas fees

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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”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The token was issued on _____, so the fees are paid in Ether.

Etymology

Coined by Russian-Canadian computer scientist Vitalik Buterin after browsing a list of fictional elements on Wikipedia; based on ether.

Synonyms

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the Ethereum network the Ethereum blockchain ETH network Ether ETH

Related words

ether eth quintessence Aether

Rhymes for Ethereum

geum museum perineum linoleum coliseum petroleum mausoleum Colosseum peritoneum

See all rhymes for Ethereum →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Ethereum and Ether?

Ethereum is the network, the shared system of computers and records. Ether, ticker ETH, is the currency used on it, both as money and to pay the fees that running programs costs. People routinely say "Ethereum" for both, but the distinction is the correct one.

What is the difference between Ethereum and Bitcoin?

Bitcoin was designed chiefly as digital money and its scripting abilities are deliberately limited. Ethereum was designed so that fuller programs, called smart contracts, can run on the network, which is why most tokens and NFTs are issued there. They are separate networks with separate currencies.

What is an ERC-20 token?

ERC-20 is a shared standard describing how a token issued on Ethereum should behave, for example how balances are checked and transfers are made. Because most tokens follow it, wallets and exchanges can support new tokens without special work.

What is the meaning of Ethereum?

"Ethereum" (proper noun) means a public blockchain network, launched in 2015, on which people can run small programs as well as send payments. It is the network most widely used for smart contracts, tokens and NFTs.

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ether eth quintessence Aether