Signature
A cryptographic proof that a message was authorized by the holder of a private key.
Digital signatures prove authenticity and integrity. In Bitcoin-like systems, a transaction input includes a signature over parts of the transaction using the signer’s private key; nodes verify it with the public key.
"Carol signs a transaction spending her UTXO; nodes verify the signature with her public key before accepting it into the mempool."
Related Terms
Private Key
→A cryptographic key used to sign blockchain transactions and derive public keys; ultimate proof of control over funds.
Public Key
→A cryptographic identifier derived from a private key; used to verify signatures and derive addresses.
Schnorr Signatures
→A digital signature algorithm that optimizes transaction size, enhances privacy, and resolves malleability issues.
All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.
