All terms
A computer that keeps a copy of the blockchain and checks the rules.
A node downloads blocks, verifies that every transaction follows the rules, and keeps its own copy of the ledger. It does not take anyone's word for what happened. It checks.
Running a node is how you stop trusting third parties. Most people never do it, and that is fine, but the fact that anyone can is what keeps the network honest.
A Bitcoin full node stores the entire history and will reject a block that tries to create coins out of thin air, no matter who sent it.
Where to go next
More foundations terms
Want this explained out loud?
Some of these land faster in conversation than in writing. Sessions are one to one and you can ask anything, including the things that feel too obvious to ask.