The term "le" is a French definite article used to indicate a specific masculine noun. It is equivalent to "the" in English and is used before singular nouns. For example, in the phrase le chat (the cat), "le" specifies that it refers to a particular cat rather than cats in general. In French grammar, "le" is part of a system that includes other articles like "la" for feminine nouns and "les" for plural nouns. Understanding how to use "le" correctly is essential for proper sentence structure and communication in the French language.