Definition
Cardano is a public blockchain platform and its native cryptocurrency, ADA. It is designed as a programmable network where developers can create and run decentralized applications and digital assets. Cardano uses a proof-of-stake approach to secure the network and validate transactions, and it operates as an independent blockchain with its own rules, features, and governance structure.
In Simple Terms
Cardano is a type of cryptocurrency and blockchain, similar in broad category to other smart-contract platforms. It has its own coin, called ADA, and its own network where people can build blockchain-based programs and tokens. It is run by many independent participants who follow shared software and rules.
Context and Usage
Cardano is commonly mentioned in discussions about major blockchain platforms and alternative cryptocurrencies. It appears in market listings, project documentation, and technical research focused on smart-contract networks and proof-of-stake systems. The term can refer either to the overall blockchain protocol or to the broader ecosystem of tools, applications, and organizations built around the ADA-based network.