Definition ∞ MinRoot VDF refers to a specific type of Verifiable Delay Function that provides a unique output after a predetermined amount of sequential computation. The “MinRoot” aspect indicates its reliance on finding minimal roots of polynomials within specific algebraic structures, ensuring that the function’s output is difficult to compute quickly but easy to verify. This cryptographic primitive offers a reliable way to introduce verifiable delay into decentralized protocols.
Context ∞ Verifiable Delay Functions, including MinRoot VDFs, are a subject of ongoing research for their applications in decentralized randomness generation, fair ordering of transactions, and preventing front-running in blockchain systems. News and academic discussions often explore their security properties and implementation challenges in real-world protocols.