Quantum Chromodynamics, a theory that describes the strong nuclear force, is often abbreviated to QCD. However, there are several synonyms for this complex concept. One might refer to it as the theory of strong interactions, or simply strong force theory. Additionally, some physicists use the term "chromodynamics" to describe the study of quarks and their interactions, or "quantum field theory" to describe the mathematical framework that underpins QCD. Other related terms include gauge field theory, renormalization, and perturbation theory. Regardless of the terminology used, QCD remains a fundamental part of our understanding of the universe at its smallest scales.