Mempool
The waiting area for unconfirmed transactions before they're included in a block.
In-Depth Explanation
When you submit a transaction, it enters the mempool where validators/miners can see and select it for inclusion. This visibility enables MEV—searchers watch the mempool for profitable opportunities. Private mempools and flashbots-style systems let users submit transactions invisibly, protecting against frontrunning.
Related Terms
Maximal Extractable Value
MEVValue that can be extracted by reordering, inserting, or censoring transactions within a block.
Frontrunning
Placing a transaction ahead of a known pending transaction to profit from the anticipated price movement.
Gas Fees
Transaction fees paid to validators/miners for executing operations on a blockchain.
More in Trading & Markets
View all →Slippage
The difference between the expected price of a trade and the actual executed price.
Maximal Extractable Value
MEVValue that can be extracted by reordering, inserting, or censoring transactions within a block.
Sandwich Attack
An MEV extraction technique where an attacker places transactions before and after a victim's trade to profit from the price impact.
Frontrunning
Placing a transaction ahead of a known pending transaction to profit from the anticipated price movement.