Glosses are brief explanations or translations of words or phrases found in texts. They often appear in the margins or between lines to clarify meanings, especially in complex or archaic language. Glosses can help readers understand unfamiliar terms or concepts, making texts more accessible. In historical manuscripts, glosses were commonly used to aid comprehension. For example, in religious texts like the Bible, scholars would add glosses to explain theological terms. Today, glosses are still used in educational materials, dictionaries, and language learning resources to enhance understanding and facilitate learning.