Searchplex ID Retrieval terminology registry

Representation

Dense Retrieval

Canonical ID https://id.searchplex.net/dense-retrieval/

Retrieval using dense vector representations of queries and items, typically compared using a vector similarity or distance function.

Scope

Dense retrieval normally refers to learned low- or moderate-dimensional dense embeddings. It is narrower than the broad practitioner term vector search.

Observed terms

Related

Not equivalent to

  • Dense Retrieval is not Dense Encoder. Dense retrieval is a retrieval approach; a dense encoder is an encoding component that may be used within it.
  • Dense Retrieval is not Dual Encoder. Dense retrieval is a retrieval approach using dense representations; a dual encoder is one common architecture for implementing it.
  • Dense Retrieval is not Semantic Search. Semantic search is an intent-oriented product term and may use dense retrieval, sparse retrieval, hybrid retrieval, or other methods.
  • Dense Retrieval is not Vector Search. Dense retrieval is a specific learned dense-vector retrieval approach; vector search is a broader practitioner term.

ID