THE KNOWLEDGE LAYER
The oracle glossary.
A practical vocabulary for external data, queryable answers, predictions and tokenized asset evidence.
Oracle
A source queried for information or an answer. Here the term includes blockchain data services and broader forecasting or answer interfaces.
Explore the conceptBlockchain oracle
A mechanism that makes externally sourced information available for use by smart contracts.
Explore the conceptOracle problem
The challenge of establishing appropriate trust in external information used by a blockchain application.
Explore the conceptObservation
A reported measurement or state with a defined subject, unit and relevant time.
Explore the conceptForecast
An estimate of a future event or unknown state, interpreted with its event definition, horizon and uncertainty.
Explore the conceptResolution
The accepted outcome of a defined question under an evidence and finalization process.
Explore the conceptAttestation
A statement about a specified claim, issued by an identified source with a particular scope.
Explore the conceptFeed identity
A stable identifier binding a report to the intended asset, instrument or measurement.
Explore the conceptFreshness
The age of an observation compared with the maximum age accepted for a particular use.
Explore the conceptFixed-point value
A numeric representation in which an integer is interpreted using an explicit scale.
Explore the conceptConfidence measure
Provider-defined information about uncertainty. Its meaning must be read from the methodology rather than assumed universal.
Explore the conceptPush delivery
A pattern in which reports are published according to an update policy and consumers read the available state.
Explore the conceptPull delivery
A pattern in which an application or submitter obtains and supplies an update when needed.
Explore the conceptRequest-response
A workflow that connects a specific request with a later answer, requiring explicit request identity and lifecycle handling.
Explore the conceptOptimistic oracle
A design that permits proposed answers or assertions to be challenged before final acceptance under its configured rules.
Explore the conceptData provenance
Information about a report’s origin and the path by which it reached the consumer.
Explore the conceptRWA
Real world asset. In this site’s context, an offchain asset or claim associated with a digital representation or application.
Explore the conceptReserve report
A statement about specified backing assets or quantities at a relevant time; its scope determines what can be inferred.
Explore the conceptNet asset value
A valuation based on assets minus liabilities. A per-share measure also depends on the relevant share count and methodology.
Explore the conceptTokenization
The representation of an asset or claim within a programmable digital system. The instrument’s rights require separate consideration.
Explore the conceptReconciliation
Comparison of digital and external records to identify and resolve discrepancies under a documented process.
Explore the conceptDegraded operation
The explicitly defined behavior of an application when required information or infrastructure is unavailable or unsuitable.
Explore the conceptDefinitions are concise learning summaries. Read the linked topic guides and reference notes for context and qualifications.