In the crypto universe, the term "ether" refers to the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network. Ether is used to pay transaction fees and to run smart contracts on the Ethereum network. It is also one of the most popular digital assets in the world, with a market capitalization of over $400 billion.

Ether was created by Vitalik Buterin in 2015. It is a proof-of-work cryptocurrency, meaning that transactions are confirmed by miners using their computers to solve complex mathematical problems. Ether is also a decentralized cryptocurrency, which means that there is no central authority controlling the network.

Ether can be used to pay transaction fees on the Ethereum network. When a transaction is sent on the Ethereum network, users must pay a fee to miners in order for the transaction to be confirmed. The fee is usually paid in ether.

Ether can also be used to run smart contracts on the Ethereum network. Smart contracts are computer programs that are stored on the Ethereum network and run automatically when certain conditions are met. Smart contracts can be used for a variety of purposes such as building decentralized applications, managing digital assets and automating payments.

Ether is one of the most popular digital assets in the world. It is used by millions of people around the world to pay transaction fees, run smart contracts and invest. Ether is a cryptocurrency with significant potential and is likely to continue to grow in popularity for years to come.