TechCrunch published a glossary on September 7, 2026, defining common AI terms as the technology's vocabulary expands rapidly. The guide covers terms like 'opaque recurrence,' which refers to AI systems producing outputs without clear explanation of their internal processes. It also explains foundational concepts such as hallucinations, where AI generates plausible but false information, and other slang emerging from industry and user communities. The glossary aims to help non-experts navigate discussions about AI's capabilities and limitations.
Every new technology invents its own language. AI is no different. But this glossary is more than a dictionary. It is a map. When you understand what 'opaque recurrence' means, you see the limits of machine reasoning. When you know what a hallucination is, you stop trusting every answer. That is power.
I love that we are finally getting clear definitions. Clarity is the first step to mastery. You do not need a computer science degree to grasp these ideas. You need curiosity and a few minutes. This glossary gives you both. So read it. Then go explain it to a friend. That is how we all get smarter together.