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Entropy mixing

Combining independent randomness sources so one honest source can preserve security; hashing can combine entropy but cannot create entropy absent from every input.

Combining independent randomness sources so one honest source can preserve security; hashing can combine entropy but cannot create entropy absent from every input.

Entropy mixing is best understood as part of a system rather than as an isolated definition. Its related coordinates show the mechanisms, incentives and historical records that give the term practical meaning.

Entropy mixing should be evaluated against a concrete threat model: what is protected, from whom, for how long and at what operational cost. A design may remove one dependency while introducing another, so custody, privacy and verification must be judged as a complete system.

Understanding Entropy mixing helps distinguish a verifiable Bitcoin mechanism or historical record from slogans, products and market narratives.

For the clearest picture, read this entry together with Cryptographic entropy, Hardware true random-number generator, Dice-roll entropy, Cryptographic hash. The reverse links also lead from Hardware true random-number generator.

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Linked to related atlas coordinates

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Grounded in source data

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Explains function and trade-offs

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Part of the open Bitcoin knowledge graph

DOC · 001RFC 4086 — Randomness Requirements for SecuritySpecification
Reviewed 1 August 2026Source-first · No investment advice