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Since the Transformers franchise has many different continuities, it is important to keep in mind that these terms can mean slightly, or even wildly, different things across the franchise.

The terms listed here are as general as possible to combat this issue. Some concepts simply didn't exist when some of the continuities first started. The Matrix of Leadership, for example, while being extremely important, wasn't a thing before the 1986 movie despite the franchise starting around 1984.

If you are curious about any of these terms, please check The Transformers Wiki (TFWiki) as it contains better and more in-depth explanations.

More or Less Official Transformers Terms

Alt-mode » What a Cybertronian transforms into. E.g. Optimus Prime turning into a truck.

Autobot » Member of the faction of "good guys".

Bayverse » The name fans have given to the live-action Transformers movies made by Michael Bay.

Cybertron » The home planet of the Cybertronians

Cybertronian » Usually just referring to the sentient race of mechanical beings that come from Cybertron. Aka. what we would call a Transformer

Decepticon » Member of the faction of "bad guys".

Energon » The main energy source of Cybertronians. It runs in their veins like blood, is consumed by them and is an incredibly important resource.

G1 » The original Transformers cartoon and toy run from the 80's.

Matrix of Leadership » Device carried by the current Prime which has knowledge from the previous primes, and in some cases, all Cybertronians that have ever lived. How exactly the Matrix works, what information it has and how it is earned varies a lot.

Primus » A god who supposedly created the Cybertronians. Primus is an ancient ethereal being who isn't always confirmed to actually exist in-universe.

Spark » A Cybertronian's soul. When their spark is lit, they are alive and inversely if it is said to be extinguished, they're dead.

Transformer » A sentient mechanical being with the ability to transform. In-canon Transformers are usually referred to as Cybertronians.

Transformation Cog » The part of a Cybertronian that gives them the ability to Transform.

Well of All Sparks » Where Cybertronians supposedly go when they die.