Address
A public identifier used to receive cryptocurrency on a blockchain network.
A cryptocurrency address is a public identifier used to receive funds on a blockchain network. It is typically derived from a public key and can be safely shared. Anyone with your address can send you funds, but only the holder of the corresponding private key can spend them.
Address formats vary by network and may include version prefixes and checksums to reduce errors. For example, Bitcoin Cash uses the CashAddr format (q... or p...), while Bitcoin uses Base58Check (1..., 3..., bc1...).
- Bitcoin (BTC): bc1qxy2kg... (Bech32)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH): qq123... or bitcoincash:qq123...
- Ethereum (ETH): 0xabc123... (hex, checksummed)
- Double-check network and format—sending to the wrong network may permanently lose funds
- Avoid reusing addresses when possible for improved privacy
- Never share private keys or seed phrases; addresses are safe to share, keys are not
Related Terms
Public Key
→A cryptographic identifier derived from a private key; used to verify signatures and derive addresses.
Private Key
→A cryptographic key used to sign blockchain transactions and derive public keys; ultimate proof of control over funds.
Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO)
→A fundamental blockchain data structure representing unspent value that can be used in future transactions.
Transaction
→The fundamental unit of data exchange on a blockchain, representing transfers of cryptocurrency or executions of smart contracts.
All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.
