bitcoin

[bit-koin]

noun

1. Often Bitcoin the first widely established cryptocurrency, which uses state-of-the-art cryptography, can be issued in any fractional denomination, and has a decentralized distribution system.

   Increasing numbers of stores and online businesses accept Bitcoin.

2. a single unit of bitcoin, the first widely established cryptocurrency.

   The value of a bitcoin has sometimes surpassed the value of an ounce of gold.

Usage

What's the difference between bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and digital currency? See digital currency ( def. ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of bitcoin¹

First recorded in 2005–10; bit ³ ( def. ) + coin

Example Sentences

Bitcoin increased by 1.1% to $113,103 over the past 24 hours, trading 11% below its record high.

Read more on Barron's

Shares in Strategy, formerly called MicroStrategy, are down 33% over the past 3 months, likely due to concerns that the value of its Bitcoin pile will fall if the digital asset’s funk carries on.

Read more on Barron's

At one point this past Sunday, bitcoin was 15.4% below its all-time high set just a couple of days earlier.

Read more on MarketWatch

Bitcoin, meanwhile, was last down 0.6% to $112,431.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

US prosecutors say it is one the biggest financial takedowns in history and the largest ever seizure of bitcoin, with approximately 127,271 bitcoin being held by US government.

Read more on BBC