Definition
The first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin operates on a decentralized peer-to-peer network using blockchain technology.
Why It Matters
Bitcoin pioneered the concept of decentralized digital currency and remains the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, serving as the foundation for the entire crypto industry.
Example
An investor purchases 0.1 BTC through a cryptocurrency exchange and stores it in a hardware wallet for long-term holding.
Related Terms
Blockchain
Mining
Proof of Work
Wallet