Plain meaning
Start with the shortest useful explanation before going deeper.
The native token of the Solana blockchain, used for paying transaction fees, staking, and rent. 1 SOL equals 1 billion lamports. SOL has an inflationary supply schedule starting at 8% annually, decreasing by 15% per year, with a long-term floor of 1.5%. Transaction base fees (5,000 lamports) are partially burned.