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...).
- 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
4 linkedExplore connected entries beyond the alphabetical index.
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 discrete spendable output on a UTXO blockchain, similar to a digital coin that must be spent whole.
Transaction
→A signed data message that asks a blockchain to transfer value, execute code, or update state.
All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.
