The absence of a conceptual terminology, sufficiently developed and widely accepted in the Russian literature, significantly hinders progress in the field of reproductive biology of diatoms, restricts communication and debate, prevents training and transfer of knowledge. The present work is an attempt, based on world literature and our own research experience, to summarize, systematize, add, and clarify the existing terms, concepts and definitions related to research which are focused on sex and sexual reproduction in diatoms. A glossary of key terms (more than 200, including synonyms) is provided. Terms refer to diatom reproductive biology, life cycles, fertilization, mating system, gender (including inheritance and determination of sex, as well as inheritance associated with sex). Contradictions between possible interpretations of certain terms are briefly discussed.