AI GLOSSARY · MODELS
Foundation model
A large general-purpose model trained on broad data that can be adapted to many tasks.
Example
A chatbot, a summariser and a code helper can all be built on one foundation model.
Learn it by doing
Reading a definition is a start; using the idea makes it stick.
Related terms
MODELSLarge language model (LLM)A very large neural network trained on huge amounts of text to predict the next word, which lets it write, summarise, tr…MODELSModelThe trained file of numbers (weights) that turns inputs into outputs. Different models have different strengths, sizes a…MODELSParametersThe adjustable numbers inside a model. More parameters can mean more capability but also more cost and slower responses.MODELSOpen-weight modelA model whose trained weights are published so anyone can download, run or fine-tune it, subject to its licence.MODELSClosed modelA model available only through the maker’s app or API; the weights are not published.MODELSMultimodalA model that can work with more than one type of input or output, such as text plus images or audio.