$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain system that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum goes beyond Bitcoin by allowing developers to build and deploy programs that run on its blockchain. ETH, the native cryptocurrency of Ethereum, is used to pay for transactions, computational services, and staking. In 2022, Ethereum transitioned from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS) through "The Merge," significantly reducing its energy consumption. Ethereum plays a central role in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and Web3 innovation, making it a foundational pillar of blockchain technology.