2. Some technical terms pass into common usage as knowledge about a field spreads. Think of three such terms that have passed into common usage recently.

To think of three technical terms that have passed into common usage recently, we can consider recent advancements in technology and popular trends. Here are three examples:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines to perform tasks that traditionally require human intelligence. This term has gained widespread recognition as AI technology has become more prevalent in various applications such as voice assistants (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant), autonomous vehicles, and recommendation systems.

To understand if AI has become a common term, you can refer to online search trends or analyze its integration into everyday conversations and media. Google Trends can provide insights into the popularity of the term and its related topics over time.

2. Augmented Reality (AR): AR is a technology that overlays digital information, such as images, videos, or 3D models, onto the real world. With the rise of smartphone applications like Snapchat filters, Pokémon Go, or Instagram filters, the term "Augmented Reality" has become widely known among users, including non-technical individuals.

To gauge the common usage of AR, you can observe its presence in everyday conversations, media coverage, app stores' popularity rankings, or social media conversations.

3. Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual form of currency that uses cryptography for secure financial transactions, control the creation of new units, and verify asset transfers. The term "cryptocurrency" gained prominence due to the widespread adoption and the popularity of Bitcoin and other digital currencies. People often discuss cryptocurrencies as investment opportunities or means of exchange.

To assess the common usage of cryptocurrency, you can consider its prevalence in financial discussions, media coverage, and the number of online businesses accepting cryptocurrencies as payment.

By analyzing trends, observing discussions, and monitoring media coverage, you can identify technical terms that have transitioned into common usage in recent times.