Extended Private Key (xprv)
A master private key in HD wallets that can derive all child private keys; extremely sensitive.
In BIP32 HD wallets, the xprv controls an entire branch (or the whole wallet). Anyone who gets it can derive all descendant private keys and spend all associated funds.
"They kept the xprv in cold storage and only exported an xpub to their watch-only wallet for monitoring."
Related Terms
Derivation Path
→The structured path notation (e.g., m/44'/0'/0'/0/0) used to derive keys and addresses from a hierarchical deterministic (HD) wallet seed.
Seed Phrase
→A list of words that backs up a wallet; it can recreate all keys and addresses.
Private Key
→A cryptographic key used to sign blockchain transactions and derive public keys; ultimate proof of control over funds.
All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.
