Crypto Dictionary
Public Key
Definition
A cryptographic code that allows a user to receive cryptocurrency.
Deep Dive
A public key is a cryptographic code that is mathematically derived from a private key and is openly shared to allow others to send cryptocurrency to a user. While the private key is kept secret to authorize transactions, the public key acts as a verifiable identifier on the blockchain. From the public key, a shorter, more user-friendly cryptocurrency "wallet address" is generated, which is the string you typically share with others when you want to receive funds.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1Sharing your Bitcoin address (derived from your public key) with a friend to receive payment
- 2A charity publishing its Ethereum public key on its website for donations
- 3The public half of a cryptographic pair used by a recipient to verify a sender's digital signature.
Related Terms
Private KeyWallet AddressCryptography