Validator

In a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain network, a validator is a participant who contributes to securing the network and verifying transactions by "staking" a certain amount of the network's native cryptocurrency as collateral. Unlike miners in Proof-of-Work, validators do not solve complex computational puzzles. Instead, they are selected (often pseudo-randomly based on their stake size) to propose new blocks, attest to the validity of transactions and blocks, and participate in the network's consensus process.