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数字货币：英文词典解释

1. What is cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency refers to a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. It operates independently of any central authority, such as a government or financial institution. Cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technology, which is a decentralized and distributed ledger that records all transactions securely.

Unlike traditional fiat currencies, such as the US dollar or euro, cryptocurrencies are not physical coins or banknotes. Instead, they exist solely as digital assets stored in digital wallets, and transactions are validated through complex mathematical algorithms.

2. What is digital currency?

Digital currency is a form of currency that exists only in electronic or digital form. It encompasses various types of currencies, including both fiat currencies issued by governments (such as digital versions of the US dollar or Chinese yuan) and cryptocurrencies. Digital currencies can be used for online transactions, peer-to-peer transfers, and as a store of value.

In the context of cryptocurrencies, digital currency specifically refers to the cryptographic tokens used to represent value on a blockchain network. These tokens can be transferred, traded, and stored securely using blockchain technology.

3. What is virtual currency?

Virtual currency is often used as a synonym for digital currency or cryptocurrency. It refers to any form of currency that is entirely digital and exists only in electronic form. Virtual currencies are not backed by physical commodities like gold or silver, nor are they issued by a central authority. Instead, they rely on cryptographic algorithms for security and transaction verification.

Virtual currencies are commonly used in online gaming and virtual worlds, where they can be used to purchase virtual goods and services. However, in the realm of cryptocurrencies, the term "virtual currency" is sometimes used to describe digital tokens that do not have blockchain technology at their core, such as centralized digital currencies issued by companies or organizations.

4. What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency. It was created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network of computers, known as nodes, that maintain a transparent and immutable ledger of all transactions.

Bitcoin can be used as a digital currency for online transactions, but it also serves as an investment asset. Its value is determined by supply and demand dynamics in the market and is known for its price volatility. Bitcoin transactions are secured through cryptographic algorithms, and ownership is represented by digital addresses and private keys.

5. What is Ethereum?

Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform that supports the creation and execution of smart contracts. It was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in 2013 and launched in 2015. While Bitcoin focuses primarily on being a digital currency, Ethereum aims to provide a platform for building decentralized applications (DApps).

Ethereum introduced its own cryptocurrency called Ether (ETH), which is used as a fuel for running applications and executing smart contracts on the Ethereum network. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. They automatically execute when predetermined conditions are met.

Ethereum's blockchain technology enables developers to create decentralized applications, tokens, and even launch their own cryptocurrencies through Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). It has become a foundation for the development of various projects and innovations in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space.