AI Glossary for Seniors
Plain-language definitions of every term in this course.
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Computer programs designed to do things that normally need human thinking — like understanding language, recognizing pictures, or answering questions.
Chatbot
A program you can talk to by typing or speaking. It replies in conversational language.
Prompt
The instruction or question you give to an AI. A clear prompt helps you get a better answer.
App (Application)
A software program you use on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Account
Your personal sign-in for a service, usually with an email and password.
Password
A secret word or phrase that protects your account. Strong passwords are long and hard to guess.
Voice Assistant
An AI you talk to out loud, like Alexa or Siri. It answers questions and can do tasks for you.
Smart Speaker
A device with a voice assistant built in, like an Amazon Echo or Google Nest.
Wearable
A small device you wear, like a smartwatch, that tracks health and connects to your phone.
Phishing
A fake message that tries to trick you into giving away passwords or money.
Privacy Settings
Controls that decide what information about you is shared and who can see it.
Translation
Changing words from one language into another. AI can do this instantly.
Generate
When AI creates something new — like text, an image, or an idea — based on your request.
Algorithm
A set of step-by-step instructions a computer follows to do a task or make a decision.
Browser
The program you use to visit websites, like Chrome, Safari, or Edge.
