What is Neuron (DFINITY)?

A neuron is a mechanism within the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) by which network participants can time-lock their ICP utility tokens in exchange for voting power, which can be leveraged to vote on community governance proposals and earn voting rewards. Neurons can also be programmed to follow and copy the voting patterns of other trusted neurons, to automate the voting process. As neurons grow older, their voting power and voting rewards increase. To withdraw deposited ICP tokens, neurons must be "dissolved," at which point the released ICP tokens can be used for other purposes.