Glossary Terms: M

MCP Server

AI/MCP Concepts

An MCP Server is the central service in the Model Context Protocol (MCP) ecosystem that exposes tools, data sources, or APIs to authorized MCP Clients. It acts as the authoritative endpoint responsible for managing capabilities, handling authentication, and responding to agent or model requests in a standardized, interoperable format.

MCP Host

AI/MCP Concepts

An MCP Host is the environment or runtime that runs a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server and provides tools, data, or services that AI agents and models can access through standardized interfaces. It acts as the provider side in the MCP ecosystem, exposing actions, endpoints, and contextual data to authorized MCP clients.

MCP Client

AI/MCP Concepts

An MCP Client is the software component or AI agent that connects to a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server to request tools, data, or context. It serves as the initiator in an MCP workflow, sending structured requests, receiving context, and invoking actions defined by MCP-compatible tools.

Model Context Protocol (MCP)

AI/MCP Concepts

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that enables large language models (LLMs) and AI agents to securely connect with external tools, APIs, and data sources through a common communication framework. MCP standardizes how models exchange context, invoke tools, and handle permissions, creating a foundation for safe, extensible agent ecosystems.

Machine Learning (ML)

AI/MCP Concepts

Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables systems to automatically learn from data and improve their performance over time without being explicitly programmed. ML models identify patterns, make predictions, and support decision-making across a wide range of business and technical applications.

Machine Learning Identity

Identity types

An identity associated with a machine learning model or algorithm, used to authenticate and authorize access to data, resources, or computational resources. Machine learning identities enable secure and controlled access to sensitive information and computational resources.

Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication

IAM concepts

Communication between non-human entities, such as machines, devices, or applications, without direct human intervention. M2M communication often relies on secure authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure data privacy and integrity.

Multi-Agent System (MAS)

AI/MCP Concepts

An architecture where multiple specialized AI Agents collaborate, communicate, and coordinate their actions to solve a complex problem that is beyond the scope of a single agent.

Master Password

Identity types

A single, strong password used to encrypt and unlock the contents of a password manager or vault. The master password is typically the primary means of authentication and access control for the password manager, so it should be complex and carefully guarded.

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

Security concepts

An authentication method that requires users to provide multiple forms of verification, such as passwords, biometrics, or tokens, to access sensitive resources. Some secrets managers support MFA to enhance security when accessing stored secrets.