05 · AI & Search Infrastructure

Vector Search

Finding results by similarity in meaning rather than exact words.

Technical Term

Full explanation

Vector search is a search method that finds results by comparing embeddings for similarity in meaning, rather than matching exact keywords.

Why this matters

It is how retrieval systems find relevant material even when the source never used the buyer's exact wording.

Where this sits

Vector Search belongs to AI & Search Infrastructure, one of the seven layers of the Aingworth Glossary. The technical vocabulary behind the interfaces. Useful for understanding how the systems work, without becoming the center of the conversation.

Related terms

Embeddings Numerical representations that place similar meanings close together. Retrieval Finding the relevant information a system will use to answer. Semantic Search Search that interprets meaning rather than matching keywords.
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