# Glossary

**Glossary**\
This glossary provides definitions and explanations of key terms and concepts used within the Cortensor ecosystem. It serves as a reference to help users understand the various components and functionalities of the platform.

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**A**\
**AI Inference:**\
The process of using trained AI models to make predictions or generate outputs based on new input data.

**AI Marketplace:**\
A platform within Cortensor where developers can share, sell, and purchase AI models and services.

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**B**\
**Blockchain:**\
A decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers, ensuring that registered transactions cannot be altered retroactively.

**Block Time:**\
The time interval required to create a new block in a blockchain network.

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**C**\
**Classification Services:**\
AI services that categorize data into predefined classes, such as spam detection or image classification.

**Consensus Mechanism:**\
A protocol used to achieve agreement on a single data value among distributed processes or systems. Examples include Proof of Inference (PoI) and Proof of Useful Work (PoUW).

**Cortensor Token:**\
The utility and governance token used within the Cortensor ecosystem to reward contributions and participate in governance.

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**D**\
**Data Management:**\
The practice of organizing and maintaining data processes to meet ongoing information lifecycle needs.

**Decentralized:**\
A system where control is distributed among various nodes rather than being centralized in a single entity.

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**E**\
**Ethereum:**\
A decentralized, open-source blockchain system that features smart contract functionality.

**Embedding Comparison:**\
A method of comparing AI-generated outputs by transforming them into vector representations and measuring similarity.

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**F**\
**Fine-Tuning:**\
The process of making small adjustments to a pre-trained AI model to adapt it for a specific task or dataset.

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**G**\
**Governance:**\
The system by which decisions are made and implemented within the Cortensor ecosystem, typically involving token holder participation.

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**I**\
**Inference Services:**\
Services that allow applications to use AI models to generate outputs or predictions from new input data.

**IPFS (InterPlanetary File System):**\
A protocol and network designed to create a peer-to-peer method of storing and sharing hypermedia in a distributed file system.

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**L**\
**Llama 3:**\
An AI model supported by Cortensor, available in both quantized and regular versions, used for various inference tasks.

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**M**\
**Model Quantization:**\
The process of reducing the precision of the numbers used in a model's calculations, enabling it to run on lower-end hardware.

**Miner Nodes:**\
Nodes within the Cortensor network responsible for executing AI inference tasks and participating in validation processes.

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**O**\
**Oracle Services:**\
Services that provide reliable data feeds to smart contracts, enabling accurate execution of blockchain operations.

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**P**\
**Prediction Services:**\
AI services that analyze historical data to forecast future trends and outcomes.

**Proof of Inference (PoI):**\
A consensus mechanism used to validate the completion and accuracy of AI inference tasks.

**Proof of Useful Work (PoUW):**\
A consensus mechanism that ensures the work performed by miner nodes is useful and meets required standards.

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**R**\
**Router Nodes:**\
Nodes that manage the allocation of tasks to miner nodes and facilitate communication between clients and the network.

**Reputation and Scoring:**\
A system that evaluates the performance of nodes and participants within the Cortensor network, influencing task allocation and rewards.

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**S**\
**SDK (Software Development Kit):**\
A collection of software development tools in one installable package, enabling the creation of applications for a specific platform.

**Staking:**\
The process of holding tokens in a cryptocurrency wallet to support the operations of a blockchain network, often earning rewards in return.

**Synthetic Data Generation:**\
The creation of artificial data that mimics real-world data, used to train AI models and improve performance.

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**T**\
**Tokenomics:**\
The economic model and distribution mechanisms of tokens within a blockchain ecosystem, including supply, distribution, and incentives.

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**V**\
**Validation Nodes:**\
Nodes responsible for verifying the accuracy and reliability of AI inference results within the Cortensor network.