AI glossary

AI Glossary — Key Terms in Artificial Intelligence, ML and Deep Learning

Plain-English glossary of important AI, machine learning, deep learning, LLM, RAG, agent, MLOps and financial terms.

Key terms

Algorithm

A procedure or set of steps used to solve a problem.

Model

A system trained or configured to produce predictions, classifications, generations, or decisions.

Dataset

A collection of examples used for training, evaluation, or analysis.

Feature

A measurable input used by a machine learning model.

Label

The target answer used in supervised learning.

Embedding

A numerical representation of meaning used for search, similarity, and retrieval.

Vector database

A database optimized for storing and searching embeddings.

RAG

Retrieval augmented generation: connecting an LLM with external documents or knowledge.

Fine-tuning

Additional training to adapt a model to a task, style, or domain.

Prompt

Instructions, context, and examples given to a generative model.

Agent

An AI system that uses tools and steps to complete tasks.

MLOps

Operational practices for deploying, monitoring, and maintaining machine learning systems.

Inference

Using a trained model to produce an output.

Hallucination

When a generative model produces confident but incorrect or unsupported content.

ROI

Return on investment: the value generated compared with cost.