Definition
A nonce in blockchain is a numeric field within a block header that miners adjust when attempting to produce a valid block hash under the current consensus rules. It serves as a variable input to the hashing process, allowing repeated recalculation of candidate hashes without altering the underlying transaction data or other fixed header fields.
In Simple Terms
A nonce is a number inside a block that miners keep changing to try to find a hash that satisfies the network’s rules. It is a throwaway value whose main purpose is to give miners something they can modify freely while searching for an acceptable block hash.
Context and Usage
The term nonce is most often used in the context of proof-of-work mining, where it is a core part of the block structure. Discussions of nonce values commonly appear in explanations of block validation, mining competition, and the relationship between hash rate and difficulty. It is treated as a standard component of block headers across many proof-of-work blockchain designs.