The term XR is currently widely used as an expression encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). However, there is no clear consensus regarding its origin or meaning. XR is sometimes explained as an abbreviation for Extended Reality, but multiple interpretations exist regarding its etymology and formation process. This paper organizes the historical formation of terminology related to VR, AR, MR, and XR, and reexamines the context in which the term XR emerged and how it has spread. In particular, by presenting a timeline that distinguishes between the coinage of terms and the drivers of their adoption, we suggest that XR, as an umbrella term, functions not as an abbreviation of Extended Reality, but rather as a neutral symbolic label that encompasses multiple "reality"-related terms. Furthermore, we argue that stable usage of terminology, including XR, requires governance through collaboration among academia, industry, and standardization organizations.

翻译：“XR”一词目前被广泛用于涵盖虚拟现实（VR）、增强现实（AR）及混合现实（MR）的表述。然而，关于其起源或含义尚无明确共识。XR有时被解释为“扩展现实”（Extended Reality）的缩写，但其词源与构成过程存在多种解读。本文梳理了VR、AR、MR及XR相关术语的历史形成过程，重新审视了XR这一术语出现的语境及其传播方式。特别地，通过呈现区分术语创造与其采用驱动因素的时间线，本文提出：作为统称术语的XR并非“扩展现实”（Extended Reality）的缩写，而是一个涵盖多种“现实”相关术语的中性符号化标签。此外，我们认为，包括XR在内的术语稳定使用需要学术界、产业界及标准化组织之间的协作治理。