blockchain

American  

[blok-cheyn] / ˈblɒkˌtʃeɪn /

noun

Computers.

1. a structure used for a distributed or shared database consisting of discrete blocks of data, with each new block secured and connected to earlier ones by cryptography: used to create digital ledgers for cryptocurrency systems, among other things.

   Several schools now offer courses in the technology behind blockchain.

   Under the scheme, farmers would add information about their produce to a blockchain database that could quickly pinpoint contamination.

2. a distributed or shared database created and populated using a structure consisting of discrete blocks of data, with each new block secured and connected to earlier ones by cryptography.

   Once the transaction gets verified, it's recorded in the blockchain.

---

Etymology

Origin of blockchain

First recorded in 2010–15; block ( def. ) + chain ( def. )

Example Sentences

They are transferred over decentralized blockchain ledgers, like other cryptocurrencies.

From Barron's

The company is also developing its own blockchain—a decentralized transaction ledger—and counts Visa as a design partner.

From Barron's

Tokenization refers to digitizing equities to trade through decentralized blockchains rather than a traditional exchange.

From Barron's

The biggest drivers of earnings and growth in Lee’s opinion will be AI and energy infrastructure, Wall Street moving onto the blockchain — think tokenization of equities, credit and real estate — and on-shoring.

From MarketWatch

Plus, housekeeper robots, a drug discovery supercomputer and JPMorgan Chase’s blockchain, in this edition of The Future of Everything newsletter.

From The Wall Street Journal