Opaque recurrence, and other AI terms that you should probably know
techcrunch.com Sep 7, 2026

Opaque recurrence, and other AI terms that you should probably know

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has generated a complex, fast-moving vocabulary that often confuses industry professionals and observers alike. TechCrunch has published a comprehensive glossary to clarify essential AI terminology, aiming to demystify concepts for builders, investors, and readers. The guide defines key terms such as Artificial General Intelligence, noting varying definitions from OpenAI and Google DeepMind regarding human-level capability. It explains AI agents as autonomous tools capable of performing multi-step tasks, distinct from basic chatbots. The article details API endpoints as interfaces allowing software integration and automation. It describes chain-of-thought reasoning, where models break problems into intermediate steps for accuracy, and coding agents that autonomously write, test, and debug software. This living document updates regularly to reflect the field’s dynamic nature, helping users navigate terms like opaque recurrence and large language models without feeling insecure about their technical understanding.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · Standardizing this chaotic lexicon empowers non-experts to critically evaluate AI capabilities and limitations.
  • · Clear definitions prevent miscommunication in high-stakes development and investment decisions.