What does a "fork" in blockchain terminology signify?

A "fork" in blockchain terminology indicates a split in the blockchain that leads to two distinct versions of the ledger. This can happen for various reasons, such as changes to protocols, disagreements among the community regarding the future direction of the blockchain, or the introduction of new features that require a different set of rules.

When a fork occurs, the original blockchain continues to exist, while a new chain is created from a specific point in the previous blockchain, thus producing two separate paths. Users and nodes in the network may choose to follow either the original chain or the newly created chain, and this decision can impact the assets held by users as well as the community dynamics surrounding the use and governance of the blockchain.

While improved features, merging networks, and scaling might relate to blockchain development and upgrades, they do not represent the fundamental meaning of a fork, which is specifically about creating diverging paths in the blockchain ledger.