neuron

In machine learning, a distinct unit within a hidden layer of a neural network. Each neuron performs the following two-step action: 1. Calculates the weighted sum of input values multiplied by their corresponding weights. 2. Passes the weighted sum as input to an activation function. A neuron in the first hidden layer accepts inputs from the feature values in the input layer. A neuron in any hidden layer beyond the first accepts inputs from the neurons in the preceding hidden layer. For example, a neuron in the second hidden layer accepts inputs from the neurons in the first hidden layer. The following illustration highlights two neurons and their inputs. A neuron in a neural network mimics the behavior of neurons in brains and other parts of nervous systems.

Practitioners refer to neuron when building, training, or evaluating machine learning systems. It appears in research papers, product documentation, and technical discussions about AI capabilities and limitations.