The terms that matter in AI search — GEO, llms.txt, citations, mention rate and more — defined plainly, with links to in-depth guides.
Generative engine optimization comes with its own vocabulary, and much of it is borrowed from classic SEO where it does not quite fit. This glossary defines the terms the way AI engines actually use them: what a mention is versus a citation, why llms.txt exists, how answer engines decide which brands to name, and what "share of voice" means when there is no results page to rank on.
Each entry is written to be read in under two minutes and links to the guides that go deeper. If you are new to GEO, start with the core terms below, then run a free diagnosis to see how these concepts show up in your own scores.