AI Search Glossary

# AI Search Glossary Published: 12 February 2026 Last updated: 12 February 2026 Review cycle: Quarterly review for AI model changes. [Get Full AI Search Audit→](https://www.rank4ai.co.uk/review-start) [Quick AI Search Check](https://www.rank4ai.co.uk/quick-ai-search) In short The AI search glossary defines key terms used in AI visibility and optimisation. It provides stable meanings for concepts such as citation, mention, prompt behaviour, authority layering, and inclusion confidence. Clear definitions reduce ambiguity across pages and ensure that related content reinforces a single canonical meaning. This improves interpretive stability for AI systems. This glossary supports the authority structure of the site by keeping terminology consistent and preventing drift between pages. ## AI Search Visibility AI search visibility refers to whether a business is mentioned, cited or recommended within AI generated responses. ## Citation A citation occurs when an AI system directly references a source, often including a link. ## Mention A mention occurs when an AI system names a business without formally citing it. ## Inclusion Inclusion refers to being selected within an AI generated answer regardless of ranking. ## Prompt A prompt is the question or instruction given to an AI system. ## Comparative Prompt A prompt asking an AI system to compare multiple providers. ## Navigational Prompt A prompt designed to locate a specific brand or entity. ## Problem Based Prompt A prompt focused on solving a specific issue. ## Entity Grounding Entity grounding refers to how clearly a business is defined as a distinct entity. ## Interpretive Stability Interpretive stability refers to consistent AI classification over time. ## Ranking Versus Inclusion Ranking refers to search engine position. Inclusion refers to selection within AI answers. ## Get a clarity snapshot If you want to see how AI search platforms currently interpret your organisation, start with