Seed Phrase
A sequence of 12-24 words that encodes a wallet's private keys, enabling backup and recovery.
In-Depth Explanation
Seed phrases (recovery phrases, mnemonic phrases) are the master backup for HD wallets. Anyone with your seed phrase controls all derived addresses. Store seed phrases offline, never digitally. Metal backups survive fire/water. Never enter your seed phrase on a website—legitimate services never ask for it. Compromised seed = compromised wallet.
Related Terms
Private Key
A secret cryptographic key that proves ownership and enables signing transactions for a blockchain address.
Hierarchical Deterministic Wallet
HD WalletA wallet that generates all private keys from a single seed phrase, enabling easy backup and address generation.
Wallet
Software or hardware that stores private keys and enables users to send, receive, and manage cryptocurrency.
More in Infrastructure
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Transaction fees paid to validators/miners for executing operations on a blockchain.
Gwei
A denomination of Ether equal to one billionth of an ETH, commonly used to express gas prices.
Layer 2
L2Scaling solutions built on top of a base blockchain (L1) that process transactions off-chain while inheriting L1 security.
Layer 1
L1The base blockchain that provides security and consensus, such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, or Solana.