The cosmic microwave background (CMB) refers to the afterglow of the Big Bang, which is the oldest light in the universe. This radiation has a temperature of approximately 2.73 Kelvin and is observed in all directions of the sky. CMB synonyms include the cosmic microwave radiation, the cosmic microwave background radiation, and the microwave background. Other terms used to describe the CMB include the relic radiation, the radiation echo, and the cosmic microwave echo. Additionally, some scientists refer to the CMB as the cosmic microwave background spectrum, which refers to the detailed measurements of the radiation's intensity at different frequencies. Overall, these synonyms highlight the importance of this pervasive radiation in our understanding of the origin and history of the universe.