Continuously updated · AI Dictionary
The language of AI,
clearly defined.
A field guide to the words changing how we build, work and think—from token and transformer to AI agents and vibe coding.
573 terms
10 topics
1847–2026 timeline
Built as a living reference
Clear words. Useful context.
01
Plain English firstThe definition comes before the jargon.
02
Usage over hypeEstablished meanings are separated from new or informal ones.
03
Show the trailSources appear on entries as they are reviewed.
Latest update · November 2026
New in the AI Dictionary
Fresh language for the newest shifts in AI, explained without the jargon.
interactive world simulation
the generation or operation of a virtual environment that changes in response to actions or controls, allowing a person or AI agent to explore consequences and receive new observations in real time or step by step
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AI detection and response
a cybersecurity practice and product category for continuously discovering and monitoring AI systems and agents, detecting attacks or unsafe behavior during operation, and supporting investigation, containment, or other response
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harness optimization
the iterative, evaluation-guided improvement of the prompts, tools, memory, skills, control flow, and other external components that organize an AI agent's behavior, often while keeping the underlying model fixed
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reverse game theory
the application of mechanism design to AI systems: starting with a desired outcome and designing rules, incentives, information flows, or penalties so that self-interested or strategic agents find compliant behavior rational
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