Satoshi (unit)

From Bitcoin Wiki
Revision as of 06:42, 19 August 2015 by Taras (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
The term "satoshi" in use on a message board

A satoshi is currently the smallest unit of the bitcoin currency supported by the block chain. It is a one hundred millionth of a single bitcoin (0.00000001 BTC). The unit has been named in collective homage to the original creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto.

All amounts in the block chain are denominated in satoshi before being converted for display. The source code also uses satoshi when specifying an amount of bitcoin.

Usage

Plural

Traditionally, the plural form has been simply satoshi, but the term satoshis is also very prevalent. If the plural form were to follow the rules of Japanese grammar, it may be pronounced as satoshi,[1] satoshisa,[1] or satoshi-tachi.[2]

Symbol

The Japanese character シ ("shi") has been proposed as a potential currency symbol for the satoshi.[3] The Katakana symbol サ ("sa") has also been proposed, as it looks more reminiscent of a currency symbol.[4][5]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 BitcoinTalk thread 289475. satoshii 9 September 2013. Post 3112861.
  2. japan-guide.com forum thread about plurals
  3. /r/Bitcoin thread 3egrjk. Satoshi symbol 24 July 2015. Self post.
  4. /r/Bitcoin thread 3egrjk. Satoshi symbol 24 July 2015. This post
  5. /r/Bitcoin thread 3egrjk. Satoshi symbol 24 July 2015. This post