Many of the more popular terms used in discussing the compensation effect are specific to their field or phenomena. In these contexts, the unambiguous terms are preferred. The misapplication of and frequent crosstalk between fields on this matter has, however, often led to the use of inappropriate terms and a confusing picture. For the purposes of this entry different terms may refer to what may seem to be the same effect, but that either a term is being used as a shorthand (isokinetic and isoequilibrium relationships are different, yet are often grouped together synecdochically as isokinetic relationships for the sake of brevity) or is the correct term in context. This section should aid in resolving any uncertainties. (see Criticism section for more on the variety of terms)
compensation effect/rule : umbrella term for the observed linear relationship between: (i) the logarithm of the preexponential factors and the activation energies, (ii) enthalpies and entropies of activation, or (iii) between the enthalpy and entropy changes of a series of similar reactions.
enthalpy-entropy compensation : the linear relationship between either the enthalpies and entropies of activation or the enthalpy and entropy changes of a series of similar reactions.
isoequilibrium relation (IER), isoequilibrium effect : On a Van 't Hoff plot, there exists a common intersection point describing the thermodynamics of the reactions. At the isoequilibrium temperature , all the reactions in the series should have the same equilibrium constant ()
isokinetic relation (IKR), isokinetic effect : On an Arrhenius plot, there exists a common intersection point describing the kinetics of the reactions. At the isokinetic temperature , all the reactions in the series should have the same rate constant ()
isoequilibrium temperature : used for thermodynamic LFERs; refers to  in the equations where it possesses dimensions of temperature
isokinetic temperature : used for kinetic LFERs; refers to  in the equations where it possesses dimensions of temperature
kinetic compensation : an increase in the preexponential factors tends to compensate for the increase in activation energy:
Meyer-Neldel rule (MNR) : primarily used in materials science and condensed matter physics; the MNR is often stated as the plot of the logarithm of the preexponential factor against activation energy is linear:
where  is the preexponential factor,  is the activation energy, σ is the conductivity, and  is Boltzmann's constant, and  is temperature.