What type of words does the term "STOP words" refer to in searches?

The term "STOP words" refers specifically to common words that are largely ignored in search queries. These words often include articles, prepositions, and conjunctions such as "and," "the," "in," and "on." Their frequent occurrence means they typically do not add significant value to the search results and can be omitted to improve the efficiency of search algorithms. By filtering out stop words, search engines can concentrate on the more meaningful terms that provide context and relevance to the search intent. This results in faster processing times and more accurate retrieval of pertinent information.

The other types of words mentioned, like exclusively nouns or technical jargon, do not align with the role and nature of stop words in search contexts. The focus is solely on the commonality and redundancy of stop words, which is why they are excluded from queries to streamline and enhance the search process.