Ether (ETH) is short for "Ether", the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network. Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform that allows users to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, and other services. ETH is used to pay transaction fees and for activities on the Ethereum network, as well as being an investment asset.

More detailed explanation:

Ether (ETH):

This is the cryptocurrency used to conduct transactions on the Ethereum network and to pay fees for activities such as executing smart contracts.

Ethereum:

It is a decentralized blockchain platform, which can be seen as a tool for building decentralized applications and services.

Smart contracts:

These are self-executing programs on the Ethereum blockchain when conditions are met.

dApps (decentralized applications):

These are applications built on the Ethereum platform and operate on the decentralized blockchain network. $ETH