What is wrapped ETH used for?

Could you please explain to me the purpose of wrapped ETH? I've heard about it but am still a bit unclear as to its exact function within the cryptocurrency and finance world. Does it serve a specific role in enhancing liquidity or facilitating cross-chain transactions? Is it widely adopted in DeFi applications? And how does it differ from regular ETH? I'm keen to understand the nuances and benefits it brings to the broader crypto ecosystem.