The acronym 'ML' stands for Machine Learning in learning systems. It refers to a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on the development of algorithms and statistical models, enabling systems to learn from data and make predictions or decisions without explicit programming. Machine learning applications are diverse, including areas such as image recognition, natural language processing, and recommendation systems. As a key component of modern AI, ML enhances the capabilities of learning systems, allowing them to adapt and improve over time based on input data.