# Ethereum

> A blockchain that lets developers build apps and issue tokens. Often called a programmable money platform.

Canonical URL: https://fudfomo.co/glossary/ethereum
Source: What The Block! Dictionary v1.0 (last updated 2026-04-25), browsable at https://wtb.fudfomo.co.

## Definition

Ethereum is a blockchain network that does more than just send a single currency. It lets developers run small programs called smart contracts, which power things like stablecoins, lending apps, NFTs, and games.

The network's own coin is called Ether (ETH). You pay a small amount of ETH every time you use the network, which is called a gas fee.

## Related terms

- [Smart Contract](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/smart-contract): A program that runs on a blockchain and does what it says, automatically.
- [Gas](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/gas): The unit a blockchain uses to measure how much work a transaction takes.
- [Token](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/token): A unit of value created on top of an existing blockchain like Ethereum.
- [Layer 2](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/layer-2): A faster, cheaper network built on top of a layer 1 like Ethereum. Borrows the main chain's security.

## See the full catalogue

What The Block! covers more than 2,000 plain-English crypto terms, delivered as embeddable hover-state tooltips for crypto exchanges. https://wtb.fudfomo.co