Glossary

Bitcoin Node

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A node is a discrete member of a network which interacts with other nodes to form the network. A Bitcoin node is any computer that runs a Bitcoin implementation and stores the entire blockchain. Nodes validate, broadcast, and request new blocks and the mempool to and from peers in the network. If nodes run compatible software, consensus is achieved.

Node count is vital to protecting the network from malicious or haphazard source code changes, reorganizations, and other protocol changes.

Related Terms
Blockchain
A blockchain is a chronological list of records, called blocks. Each of these blocks contains transactions. Once a block is added to the blockchain, it is infeasible to alter, giving Bitcoin its immutability.
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Consensus
Consensus is the ideal and the method of coordination between individuals in a decentralized system. Consensus is achieved at the development level with regards to changes to the Bitcoin protocol, and it is also achieved with regards to agreement on the state of the blockchain.
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Block
A block is a collection of transactions that occur on the Bitcoin network. Blocks are linked together chronologically to form a blockchain.
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Transaction
A transaction exists as a record of the transfer of bitcoin from one address to another. All transactions are recorded in blocks on the blockchain.
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