Validator

       A validator is a node on a crypto-network that plays an important role in consensus; validating transactions & blocks.

     With the introduction of newer generation blockchain systems (post Bitcoin) the governance capabilities of nodes because more complex and exotic; with the segmentation of specific governance functions.

     While in Bitcoin the nodes that participate in consensus are called “miners”, nodes in PoS/DPoS networks can be called just about anything; such as Validators.