# Mnemonic

Source URL: https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/mnemonic
Updated: 2026-05-26T17:21:54.000Z
Letter: M

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Also referred to as a recovery phrase or seed phrase, a mnemonic is typically a sequence of 12 or 24 randomly generated words used to create and recover a Bitcoin wallet. The mnemonic represents your private key's hexadecimal data in the form of easily legible and rememberable (thus more human-friendly) English words. It is used as a backup recovery plan to access your bitcoin, as outlined in [BIP 39](https://github.com/bitcoin/bips/blob/master/bip-0039.mediawiki).

It is essential to keep your mnemonic secret and to follow [best wallet practices](https://blog.blockstream.com/education/wallets/what-is-a-private-key-and-how-do-i-store-it/) for optimal safekeeping. If compromised, your bitcoin may be subject to theft.

Navigation: Blockstream Help Center > Education > Glossary > Mnemonic

## Related Terms in This Letter
- [Mempool](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/mempool)
- [Merge conflict](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/merge-conflict)
- [Merkle tree](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/merkle-tree)
- [Mining](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/mining)
- [Miniscript](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/miniscript)
- [Mnemonic](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/mnemonic) (current)
- [Multi-part payments (MPP)](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/multi-part-payments-mpp)
- [MuSig2](https://help.blockstream.com/education/glossary/musig2)