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However, inconsistencies in the use of these terms, including variations across different scientific disciplines, can lead to confusion and miscommunication within the scientific community. This article discusses the importance of precise terminology in microbiome research, highlighting examples where terms have been misused or redefined without clear justification. We also present a list of frequently used terms in microbial ecology along with their specific definitions. We argue that the misuse of terminology can hinder scientific progress by creating ambiguity and misunderstanding. To address this, we propose a set of guidelines for the consistent use of key terms and provide clear definitions for some of the most commonly misused or newly introduced terms in the field. The definitions provided herein will also function as a guide for young researchers new to the field of microbial ecology. Accurate and consistent use of terminology is crucial for effective communication and collaboration in microbiology research. By adhering to standardised definitions, researchers can ensure that their work is clearly communicated and contributes meaningfully to the progress of science.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1111\/1462-2920.70177","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,9,19]],"date-time":"2025-09-19T03:49:07Z","timestamp":1758253747000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":5,"title":["Clarifying Terminology in Microbial Ecology: A Call for Precision in Scientific Communication"],"prefix":"10.1111","volume":"27","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-5008-1476","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Gareth","family":"Trubl","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Physical and Life Sciences Directorate Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory  Livermore California USA"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-9392-6544","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Alexander J.","family":"Probst","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Environmental Metagenomics, Research Center One Health Ruhr of the University Alliance Ruhr, Faculty of Chemistry &amp; Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU) University of Duisburg\u2010Essen  Essen Germany"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"311","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,9,18]]},"reference":[{"key":"e_1_2_14_2_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1155\/2013\/251245"},{"key":"e_1_2_14_3_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.4161\/bact.1.1.14354"},{"key":"e_1_2_14_4_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1016\/j.tim.2018.01.004"},{"key":"e_1_2_14_5_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pbio.0040368"},{"key":"e_1_2_14_6_1","first-page":"1","article-title":"Microbiome Definition Re\u2010Visited: Old Concepts and New Challenges","volume":"8","author":"Berg G.","year":"2020","journal-title":"Microbiome"},{"key":"e_1_2_14_7_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s40168-025-02091-0"},{"key":"e_1_2_14_8_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1073\/pnas.202488399"},{"key":"e_1_2_14_9_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1186\/s40793-022-00425-1"},{"key":"e_1_2_14_10_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.2174\/156720181303160520193946"},{"key":"e_1_2_14_11_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1038\/nrg3182"},{"key":"e_1_2_14_12_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1073\/pnas.2413032122"},{"key":"e_1_2_14_13_1","volume-title":"Fields Virology","author":"Condit R. 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