Natural language processing (NLP)
Definition The branch of AI concerned with enabling computers to read, interpret, and generate human language. It covers tasks such as translation, summarization, classification, and the text generation performed by large language models.
In more depth
NLP combines linguistics and machine learning to turn unstructured text into something software can work with. Earlier NLP relied on hand-built rules and statistical models; today most of the field is built on transformer-based language models. In legal settings NLP underpins contract review, e-discovery search, and research tools that read case law.
Further reading: Wikipedia.
Related terms
Educational information, not legal advice. AI terminology and tools change quickly; definitions reflect usage as of the last-updated date. For what bar associations and courts actually require of lawyers using AI, see legalaicompliance.help and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.