# EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine)

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## Definition

The runtime environment that executes smart contracts on Ethereum and all EVM-compatible chains. The EVM defines the instruction set and execution model for Ethereum smart contracts written in Solidity or Vyper. 'EVM-compatible' chains (Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, BNB Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, Sonic) can run unmodified Ethereum smart contracts, enabling protocol deployment across multiple chains without rewriting code.

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Canonical: https://decentralized-finance.io/glossary/evm-ethereum-virtual-machine/