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Glite Dictionary
🗳️ A law protester ❌ A canceller 🔐 A digital proof
nullifier

nullifier

9.9
A code that shows a digital coin was spent and stops it being spent again
  • noun
  • /ˈnʌlɪfaɪər/
  • Texting
translation icon : nulificador
  • In Zcash, the nullifier proves a spent note cannot be reused.

Examples

  • The wallet software computed a new nullifier to prevent accidental double-spending of the note.

  • Miners check transaction histories for matching nullifiers before accepting shielded payments into blocks.

  • The nullifier ensures that the transaction cannot be duplicated.

  • In the blockchain, a nullifier is crucial for security.

  • In Zcash, the nullifier proves a spent note cannot be reused.

  • Miners check transaction histories for matching nullifiers before accepting shielded payments into blocks.

  • The wallet software computed a new nullifier to prevent accidental double-spending of the note.

Surface Forms

nullifier singular
nullifiers plural

Morphology

nullifier = nullify (semi-transparent) = null + ify + er

Formally derived from 'nullify' + '‑er', but used as a technical cryptographic term (a value/proof) rather than a person or agent.

Etymology

Nullifier comes from the root null meaning 'not any' or 'nothing' and the ending -er meaning 'one who'. In cryptocurrencies a nullifier is a code that shows a coin or note has already been used and so cannot be spent again, effectively marking it as 'nothing' for future spending.