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LM

A (LM) is a probabilistic model that approximates the over sequences of tokens, such as words or subwords, typically by predicting the next given preceding through autoregressive objectives. These models, foundational to , rely on statistical patterns derived from large corpora of text data rather than explicit rules or semantic understanding, enabling applications like , text generation, and summarization. Early LMs used n-gram approaches to estimate local word dependencies, but contemporary variants predominantly employ architectures with billions to trillions of parameters, scaled via massive pretraining on internet-scale datasets. Significant achievements of LMs include emergent capabilities in and coherent long-form generation, as demonstrated by models like those in the series, which have outperformed traditional methods in benchmarks for reasoning proxies such as arithmetic and commonsense tasks when scaled appropriately. However, these feats stem from compressed representations of data correlations rather than causal or beyond observed patterns, with performance degrading sharply on out-of-distribution inputs. Defining characteristics encompass parameter-efficient laws, where gains correlate empirically with compute and volume, yet plateau without architectural innovations. Controversies arise from inherent limitations, including factual inaccuracies (hallucinations) due to probabilistic sampling over memorized , and amplified biases reflecting imbalances in corpora—often skewed by overrepresentation of , urban, or ideologically aligned sources prevalent in web-scraped datasets. Empirical scrutiny reveals that LM outputs frequently perpetuate demographic or cultural priors embedded in training text, with mitigation techniques like yielding inconsistent results and risking over-correction toward contrived neutrality. Academic evaluations, while rigorous in controlled settings, often understate real-world deployment risks due to selective that favors in-distribution performance, underscoring the need for causal validation over correlative proxies in assessing model reliability. Despite surrounding general , LMs remain tools for , excelling in but faltering in robust reasoning or to causal structures absent from training.

Science, mathematics, and technology

Computing and artificial intelligence

In and , a (LM) is a model trained to predict the over sequences of words, tokens, or characters in , enabling tasks such as text generation, completion, and translation. These models underpin advancements in by learning patterns from vast corpora, with empirical performance measured through metrics like on held-out data. Statistical LMs, such as n-gram models, represent early variants where the probability of a word is conditioned on the preceding n-1 words under the Markov assumption, allowing efficient estimation via frequency counts from training texts but struggling with sparsity for larger n. For instance, (n=2) models capture immediate word dependencies, historically applied in and for their simplicity and low computational demands. Neural LMs evolved to address these limitations, incorporating distributed representations to model semantic relationships; transformer-based architectures, introduced in 2017, revolutionized the field by employing self-attention mechanisms to process entire sequences in parallel, capturing long-range dependencies without sequential recurrence. This shift enabled scaling to billions of parameters, as seen in models series, where training on internet-scale data yields emergent capabilities in reasoning and synthesis, validated through benchmarks and SuperGLUE. Recent software tools exemplify LM integration into practical workflows for and . Google NotebookLM, launched experimentally in July 2023 and updated through 2025 with features like mobile apps and premium tiers, leverages LMs to analyze user-uploaded documents, generating customized summaries, study guides, and audio overviews grounded in source material to aid content synthesis and hypothesis exploration. Similarly, LM Studio provides a desktop application for downloading and executing large LMs locally on consumer hardware, supporting formats like GGUF for efficient without dependency, thereby facilitating private experimentation and on domain-specific data. For empirical evaluation, platforms like LM Arena enable crowd-sourced benchmarking via blind pairwise comparisons, where users vote on model responses to prompts, aggregating human preferences into Elo-style rankings that correlate with real-world utility across tasks like coding and question-answering; developed by UC researchers, it has evaluated over 100 models as of 2025, highlighting gaps in automated metrics. These tools underscore LMs' in advancing by prioritizing verifiable, preference-based metrics over synthetic benchmarks prone to .

Mathematics and statistics

In statistics, a linear model expresses the conditional mean of a response variable as a linear combination of predictor variables, plus an error term. Formally, for observations \mathbf{Y} = (Y_1, \dots, Y_n)^\top, the model is \mathbf{Y} = \mathbf{X}\boldsymbol{\beta} + \boldsymbol{\epsilon}, where \mathbf{X} is the n \times p design matrix with rows corresponding to observations and columns to predictors (including an intercept), \boldsymbol{\beta} is the p \times 1 vector of coefficients, and \boldsymbol{\epsilon} is the error vector with E(\boldsymbol{\epsilon}) = \mathbf{0} and \text{Var}(\boldsymbol{\epsilon}) = \sigma^2 \mathbf{I} under classical assumptions of independence and homoscedasticity. This framework encompasses simple linear regression (one predictor), multiple linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), without implying causality beyond data description. The ordinary least squares (OLS) for \boldsymbol{\beta}, derived from first principles by minimizing the sum of squared residuals \sum_{i=1}^n (Y_i - \mathbf{x}_i^\top \boldsymbol{\beta})^2, yields \hat{\boldsymbol{\beta}} = (\mathbf{X}^\top \mathbf{X})^{-1} \mathbf{X}^\top \mathbf{Y}, assuming \mathbf{X}^\top \mathbf{X} is invertible (full column rank). This solution equates the sample moments: the cross-product of predictors with the response matches that with fitted values. Under Gaussian errors, OLS is maximum likelihood; more generally, it is unbiased and minimum-variance among linear unbiased by the Gauss-Markov theorem, provided errors have zero mean, constant variance, and uncorrelatedness—no normality required for these properties. Inference in linear models tests hypotheses via t-statistics for individual coefficients (t = \hat{\beta}_j / \text{SE}(\hat{\beta}_j)) or for subsets (e.g., overall fit: F = (\text{SSR}/(p-1)) / (\text{SSE}/(n-p))), drawing from the exact distribution under or asymptotically otherwise. ANOVA decomposes total variance into explained (model) and components, with linear models generalizing it to include covariates; for balanced designs without covariates, it reduces to partitioning sums of squares across factors. Diagnostics assess assumptions, such as residual plots for , homoscedasticity (e.g., Breusch-Pagan test), and (Durbin-Watson for ). In software like , the lm() function implements this via for , fitting the model and providing summaries including coefficients, standard errors, (R^2 = 1 - \text{SSE}/\text{SST}, measuring explained variance proportion), and p-values, but the underlying mathematics remains the classical framework above. Extensions like generalized linear models relax linearity in parameters or error distributions but lie outside the strict linear model. Historical roots trace to Adrien-Marie Legendre's 1805 least squares for astronomical data and Carl Friedrich Gauss's 1809 probabilistic justification, formalized in modern texts without reliance on unverified causal claims.

Physics and engineering

The (symbol: lm) is the of , quantifying the total quantity of visible emitted by a source within the visible , weighted according to the photopic luminosity function that accounts for the eye's peaking at 555 nm. One equals the produced by an isotropic source of one through a solid of one , with the itself defined since the 2019 SI revision in terms of fixed physical constants including Planck's constant. The term "" was first proposed in 1894 by André-Eugène Blondel for photometric measurements, evolving from 19th-century efforts to standardize assessment beyond subjective comparisons, with formal integration occurring alongside the 's adoption in 1948 and refinement in 1979 to emphasize monochromatic green equivalence before the 2019 constant-based redefinition. In engineering applications, particularly lighting design and optics, the lumen distinguishes perceived luminous output from radiant power measured in watts, addressing a key misconception that equates electrical input with visible brightness; watts quantify energy consumption regardless of spectrum, whereas lumens incorporate the eye's V(λ) curve, rendering direct watt-lumen proportionality obsolete for modern sources like LEDs, which achieve efficacies exceeding 200 lm/W compared to incandescent bulbs at ~15 lm/W. This metric enables causal evaluation of lighting efficiency via luminous efficacy (lm/W), guiding selections in illumination engineering where overemphasis on watts historically led to inefficient designs, as empirical tests confirm higher lm/W correlates with reduced energy use for equivalent perceived illumination without altering causal photon emission mechanisms. Linear motors (LM), in mechanical and , generate direct linear through electromagnetic principles, extending rotary motor concepts by "unrolling" the and rotor to produce translation via the F = I × L × B, where I in a of length L interacts with B, eliminating gears or belts for higher and up to 10g in controlled environments. Common types include linear motors, relying on induced in a secondary for asynchronous , and synchronous variants using permanent magnets for precise positioning, applied in automation for pick-and-place operations achieving speeds over 5 m/s with sub-micron accuracy due to backlash-free motion. These systems leverage Ampère's law and Faraday's for efficient energy conversion, with management critical as density scales with , typically limited to 10-20 N/cm² in air-cooled designs to prevent demagnetization or overheating.

Military and aerospace

Space exploration hardware

The (LM), also known as the Lunar Excursion Module, served as the spacecraft component for landing astronauts on the and returning them to during NASA's from 1969 to 1972. Comprising a descent stage for powered landing and an ascent stage for liftoff, the LM enabled six successful crewed lunar landings across Apollo missions 11 through 17, with Apollo 13's landing aborted due to a service module explosion en route. The design prioritized lightweight construction using aluminum alloy structures, foil insulation, and non-magnetic materials to minimize mass while withstanding vacuum and conditions. The LM's propulsion systems relied on hypergolic propellants—Aerozine 50 (a derivative) and nitrogen tetroxide—which ignited spontaneously upon contact, eliminating ignition risks in the lunar environment. The descent propulsion system (DPS) featured a throttleable producing up to 10,000 pounds-force (44 kN) of , adjustable from 10% to 60% for controlled , while the ascent propulsion system (APS) delivered a fixed 3,500 pounds-force (16 kN) without gimballing or restart capability, underscoring the mission's high-stakes, single-use reliability demands. Undocking from the command module occurred via pyrotechnic separation, followed by independent maneuvering using reaction control thrusters. Apollo 11's LM Eagle, launched on July 16, 1969, achieved the first human lunar landing on July 20 near the Sea of Tranquility, with and spending approximately 21 hours on the surface and conducting a 2.5-hour (EVA). Subsequent missions extended capabilities: Apollo 15–17 incorporated extended LM variants with larger propellant tanks, supporting lunar stays of 67–75 hours and multiple EVAs totaling 14–22 hours, facilitated by the addition of the . These feats demonstrated precise engineering under gravitational and guidance constraints, with landing accuracy improving from kilometers in early tests to within hundreds of meters by Apollo 17. Despite successes, the LM's development entailed substantial risks, including propulsion system vulnerabilities to and the absence of redundant engines, which could have stranded crews if failures occurred post-landing. Program-wide costs exceeded $25 billion in dollars, with LM-specific challenges like structural integrity during ascent contributing to debates over fiscal efficiency versus technological imperatives, though empirical outcomes validated the hardware's causal role in enabling verifiable lunar traversal and sample return totaling 382 kilograms. Reliability was enhanced through iterative ground testing and flight qualifications, yielding a mission success rate that prioritized empirical performance over conservative margins.

Defense contractors and systems

Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), formed by the 1995 merger of and , is a leading U.S. specializing in advanced , missiles, and integrated systems for applications. The company derives a substantial portion of its revenue from Department of Defense contracts, focusing on technologies that enhance U.S. and allied capabilities in air dominance and . A cornerstone program is the F-35 Lightning II, a family of multirole fighters equipped with advanced sensors, fusion capabilities, and network connectivity for superior . As of September 30, 2025, awarded a $12.5 billion contract for nearly 300 Lot 18 F-35 , incorporating upgrades for enhanced lethality and reliability. Despite claims of technological superiority—evidenced by its deployment in combat operations demonstrating precision strikes and data sharing—the program has faced persistent cost overruns and delays. analyses indicate Block 4 modernization costs escalated from $10.6 billion to $16.5 billion, with all 2024 U.S. deliveries late, though Lockheed has self-funded prototypes for sixth-generation upgrades to integrate emerging threats like hypersonics. Empirical flight hour data shows sustainment costs per have declined by approximately 50% since 2015, yet lifetime program expenses exceed $2 trillion when including operations through 2070. In missile systems, produces precision-guided munitions such as the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement for terminal ballistic defense, (THAAD) interceptors, and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM), which integrate with platforms like the F-35 for extended-range strikes. To address supply vulnerabilities, the company partnered with in October 2025 to expedite solid motor production at a new 270-acre facility in , targeting initial output by 2028 for systems like Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS). This initiative aims to mitigate shortages amid heightened global demand, building on broader efforts including digital risk evaluation tools and international collaborations, such as with for PAC-3 expansion. Lockheed Martin is advancing the Golden Dome architecture, a layered concept incorporating space-based interceptors, command-and-control prototyping, and sensors to counter hypersonic and swarm threats. Prototyping hubs established in 2025 focus on , with plans for an orbital demonstration of space-based interceptors by 2028 to enhance homeland protection. These developments underscore strategic investments in , though dependency on such systems has drawn critiques for potential over-reliance amid fiscal pressures from program inefficiencies.

Places

Geographical locations

is one of the five of , situated entirely within the and bordered by the states of , , , and . Measuring 307 miles (494 km) in length and 118 miles (190 km) in maximum width, it covers a surface area of 22,404 square miles (58,030 km²) with an average depth of 279 feet (85 m) and a maximum depth of 925 feet (282 m). The lake's name derives from the Ojibwe word mishigami, meaning "large water," and it is commonly abbreviated as LM in scientific, environmental, and fishery databases. Le Mans is a and the of the department in the region of northwestern , positioned at approximately 48°00′N 0°12′E about 125 miles (200 km) southwest of . With a population of 141,279 as of January 2020, it is historically significant for its medieval architecture and serves as the host city for the annual event, where "LM" is frequently used as an abbreviation for the location in racing nomenclature..html) County Leitrim in the employs "LM" as its distinguishing code on vehicle registration plates, a system established to identify the county of registration. This rural county in the province covers 589 square miles (1,525 km²) and recorded a population of 32,280 in the 2022 census, featuring terrain dominated by the River Shannon and surrounding bogs. Limburg-Weilburg is a district (Landkreis) in the state of , central , where "LM" designates vehicles registered within its jurisdiction under the national licensing system. Encompassing an area of 2,366 km² with a population of approximately 274,000 as of 2023, the district centers around the River valley and includes the city of . Liptovský Mikuláš is a town in northern within the , utilizing "LM" as its vehicle license plate code. Situated at the confluence of the and Belá rivers in the foothills, it spans 70.1 km² and had a population of 31,508 in 2021, serving as a gateway to recreational areas like the Demänovská Cave system.

Organizations

Professional associations

The designation LM refers to Licensed Midwife, a professional credential for direct-entry midwives who provide care primarily to low-risk pregnancies outside hospital settings in states that regulate the practice, such as California and New York. Professional associations for LMs focus on advocacy for licensure, continuing education, and integration into maternity care systems, often emphasizing physiologic birth models with minimal interventions. These groups emerged alongside state licensure laws, which began reinstating direct-entry midwifery regulation in the 1980s and 1990s after earlier suppressions favoring medicalized births. The Association of Licensed Midwives (CALM), established following the 1993 reinstatement of licensed under the state's Medical Board, serves as the primary professional body for 's approximately 400 LMs. Membership requires active LM licensure and annual dues, providing benefits like legislative lobbying, credits, and a directory for client referrals. CALM has influenced regulations by advocating for independent practice authority and reimbursement, though only 15% of LMs bill due to administrative barriers, limiting access for underserved populations. Outcome data from LM-attended births in show lower cesarean rates (around 20-25% vs. statewide 32%) and fewer episiotomies for low-risk clients, but higher transfer-to- rates (about 40%) for complications, reflecting selection of physiologic care models over high-risk cases. Critics argue that LM credentialing, based on 3-year apprenticeship-style programs without prerequisites, may underemphasize emergency skills, as evidenced by rare but documented neonatal adverse events in home births attended by direct-entry midwives; however, adjusted rates remain comparable to benchmarks for low-risk cohorts when controlling for risk factors. In New York, the New York State Association of Licensed Midwives (NYSALM), formed in 2000, represents LMs licensed under state law since the 1990s expansion to include direct-entry pathways. Membership criteria include current licensure and commitment to ethical standards aligned with the International Confederation of Midwives, with activities centered on policy advocacy for scope-of-practice expansions, such as ordering diagnostic tests without physician oversight. NYSALM collaborates with the American College of Nurse-Midwives despite differences in training paths, pushing for data-driven integration; studies of LM care in similar regulated states indicate reduced preterm births and interventions, though efficacy critiques highlight reliance on self-reported outcome data from associations, potentially inflating success metrics due to voluntary participation biases. These associations collectively impact regulation by promoting evidence-based standards, yet empirical reviews underscore the need for mandatory adverse event reporting to validate credentialing against causal risks in non-hospital settings.

Government and international bodies

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Legacy Management (LM) was established on December 15, 2003, to assume responsibility for long-term surveillance, maintenance, and institutional controls at sites where active environmental remediation of legacy contamination from nuclear weapons production and other Cold War-era activities had been completed. Initially overseeing 33 such sites, LM's portfolio expanded to approximately 100 by 2019, encompassing former uranium mills, research facilities, and production sites across 28 states and territories, with annual operations focused on groundwater monitoring, institutional controls to prevent unauthorized access, and records management to ensure compliance with federal environmental laws. LM's operational efficacy is measured through quantifiable outputs, including over 1,000 annual inspections and monitoring events, maintenance of perpetual stewardship trusts funded by transferred assets exceeding $500 million, and the implementation of five-year reviews mandated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) to verify remedy protectiveness. These activities aim to minimize taxpayer burden by transitioning sites to passive long-term care, though challenges persist in addressing plumes at sites like Weldon Spring, , where natural attenuation and institutional controls have reduced contaminant migration by up to 90% in monitored wells since 2003. In other U.S. government contexts, LM designates sub-offices such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Logistics Management Directorate, which coordinates operations for , handling prepositioned assets valued at billions during events like in 2005. Internationally, no major governmental or treaty-based bodies primarily abbreviated as LM were identified, though LM International operates as a non-governmental faith-based entity collaborating with bodies like the on without formal governmental status.

Brands and enterprises

Transportation and manufacturing

LM Manufacturing, LLC, established in 2019 as a between and LAN , specializes in the production and assembly of automotive seating systems, including structures, mechanisms, foam, and trim for vehicles in the global automotive, heavy truck, and bus sectors. The company operates facilities focused on sequencing, , and for complete seat assemblies, emphasizing mobility solutions with a headquarters contributing to regional through job creation and community initiatives. LM Wind Power, a of GE Vernova since , is a Danish-headquartered manufacturer of wind turbine rotor blades, with production facilities spanning multiple countries including , , and the . Founded over 40 years ago as LM Glasfiber, it pioneered advancements in , producing models up to 107 meters in length for offshore turbines like the GE Haliade-X 12 MW, supporting the wind energy sector's expansion with high-volume output exceeding millions of megawatts in installed capacity globally. Its manufacturing processes emphasize composite materials and to enhance turbine efficiency and durability. L&M, a brand originally produced by the Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company founded in 1873 in , , features filtered varieties marketed for smoother , with early innovations including dual-sided filters introduced in the . The brand's trademark rights transferred to in 1999, under which it continues production as part of Group in the U.S. and abroad, with historical advertising campaigns like "Just What the Doctor Ordered" in the mid-20th century promoting it amid emerging evidence of tobacco's links to and , as documented in longitudinal studies such as the (1951–2001) showing dose-dependent risks from smoking. London Midland operated as a train operating company from November 2007 to December 2017, managing the West Midlands rail franchise with services connecting , , and Euston using electric multiple units like Class 350 EMUs. It handled approximately 30 million passenger journeys annually at peak, focusing on commuter and regional routes before the franchise transitioned to , which continues similar operations under public-private partnerships.

Finance and resources

LM Funding America, Inc. (NASDAQ: LMFA), a specialty company, focuses on Bitcoin self- and hosting services for operations. As of September 30, 2025, its Bitcoin treasury totaled 304.5 BTC, valued at $34.7 million based on market prices at that time. The firm reported 7,491 mining machines operational across its sites by the end of September 2025. In August 2025, it purchased 164 BTC, doubling its holdings to 311 BTC valued at approximately $33.8 million as of August 31. On September 18, 2025, LM Funding America completed the acquisition of an 11 MW site in , for $4.0 million, including approximately 2,300 S19 series miners providing 157 PH/s of hashrate. This expansion added 7.5 MW of operational capacity to its infrastructure. The company's strategy emphasizes direct accumulation and site control to mitigate third-party risks in . Legg Mason, Inc., an firm historically traded under the LM, managed diverse including equities, , and alternatives until its acquisition. Franklin Resources, Inc. (operating as Franklin Templeton) completed the purchase of Legg Mason on July 31, 2020, in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $4.5 billion, combining to about $1.5 trillion. The deal integrated Legg Mason's boutique affiliate model with Franklin Templeton's global platform, enhancing distribution and capabilities in multi-asset strategies. Prior to the acquisition, Legg Mason had pursued growth through smaller deals, such as $1 billion in and fund acquisitions announced in 2016. LM Wind Power, a GE Vernova subsidiary specializing in wind turbine blades as components for renewable energy resource development, secured a framework agreement extension in March 2025 to supply blades to German turbine manufacturer Enercon, supporting onshore wind projects. In September 2025, GE Vernova sold its Goleniów, Poland, onshore blade factory—established in 2009—to Vestas Wind Systems, following a May 2025 agreement, to optimize manufacturing footprint amid market shifts. The unit reported a net loss exceeding DKK 2.6 billion (about $380 million USD) for 2024, reflecting industry pressures on blade production costs and demand volatility.

Arts, entertainment, and media

Fictional works and characters

Lunar Magic is a level editor software for the 1990 video game , initially released in 1997 by developer FuSoYa. The tool enables users to modify and create custom levels, graphics, blocks, sprites, and overworld maps, allowing the design of original fictional scenarios within the Mario franchise's universe. It supports editing of the American and Japanese version 1.00 ROMs of , as well as the SMW segment of , facilitating fan-produced content that extends gameplay with new challenges and narratives featuring established characters like , Luigi, and . Over its more than 25-year lifespan, Lunar Magic has become the dominant tool in the ROM hacking community for , powering thousands of user-generated hacks that introduce fictional elements such as altered storylines, boss encounters, and world maps. Updates, including version 3.51, have added features like enhanced support and compatibility improvements, sustaining its relevance for creating persistent, community-shared fictional expansions. While not a standalone , its output has influenced fan media, including playthroughs and tutorials demonstrating custom levels that mimic or innovate on Nintendo's original designs. No other prominently recognized fictional works, novels, films, or characters bear the primary designation "LM" in established media, though niche references appear in by authors with those initials, such as L.M. Dodds' Chronicles of Lim series, which features fantasy romance elements without direct "LM" titling.

Music and publications

LM5 is the fifth studio album by the English Little Mix, released on 16 November 2018 by and . The album, produced primarily by and , debuted at number one on the , accumulating 131,000 equivalent album units in its first week, marking the group's fourth consecutive chart-topping release. Internationally, it reached the top ten in countries including , , and , with "Woman Like Me" featuring peaking at number five on the . In publications, the journals of L.M. Montgomery document the life of Canadian author from 1889 to 1942 across ten original volumes totaling nearly two million words. The Selected Journals, edited by Mary Rubio and Elizabeth Waterston, were published in five volumes by between 1985 and 2000, presenting edited excerpts that reveal her literary development and personal struggles leading to works like . Later, The Complete Journals of L.M. Montgomery, restoring previously censored material, appeared in multi-volume sets starting with The P.E.I. Years, 1889–1900 in 2012, followed by subsequent periods up to 1942, providing unexpurgated insights into her psychological and social observations. The Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies, a peer-reviewed open-access academic publication launched in 2010, focuses on scholarly analysis of her oeuvre, covering topics from her depictions of community and nature to mental health themes in her fiction.

Sports

Teams and competitions

In , LM is the standard abbreviation for left midfielder, a position situated on the left flank of the midfield responsible for linking defensive and attacking phases of play. The left midfielder typically provides width to the team's formation, delivers crosses into the opposition's , tracks back to support the left-back defensively, and contributes to counter-attacks by advancing with the ball. This role demands versatility, with players often evaluated on metrics such as pass completion rates exceeding 85% in elite leagues, successful dribbles per game averaging 1.5–2.0, and key passes leading to scoring opportunities. In major competitions like the and , teams such as Manchester City and Real Madrid have historically succeeded by deploying high-caliber left midfielders who accumulate double-digit assists per season; for example, players in this position have been instrumental in title-winning campaigns, with tactical setups like 4-3-3 formations emphasizing LM involvement in 60–70% of flank-based goals. Empirical data from match analytics highlight the position's impact on win probabilities, where effective LM performance correlates with a 15–20% increase in possession retention on the left side during high-stakes fixtures. No professional teams are directly named LM, though the abbreviation appears in official lineups and scouting reports across global leagues.

Other uses

Measurement units

The lumen (symbol: lm) is the SI derived unit of luminous flux, quantifying the total amount of visible light emitted by a source in all directions, weighted by the human eye's sensitivity to different wavelengths. It equals the luminous flux produced by a source of one candela intensity uniformly distributed over a solid angle of one steradian. This unit, formally adopted in the SI system in 1960, distinguishes perceived light output from radiant flux measured in watts, as lumens account for photopic vision peaking at 555 nm green light. In commercial and trade contexts, also abbreviates linear meter, a unit equivalent to one meter of , often used for quantifying materials like fabric, , or by their one-dimensional extent rather than area or volume. For instance, U.S. government invoicing standards list LM as the code for linear meter to standardize billing for elongated goods. This usage avoids ambiguity with two-dimensional measures like square meters (m²), emphasizing straight-line measurement in and inventories.

Slang and miscellaneous abbreviations

In informal professional and texting contexts, "LM" is occasionally abbreviated as "left message" to indicate that a , , or note was left for the recipient, particularly in office settings where confirming communication attempts is routine. This usage appears in acronym compilations tracking shorthand in business correspondence, though it remains niche and less prevalent than standard phrases like "VM" for . Another slang interpretation in online chatting and social media is "loud mouth," describing an excessively talkative or boastful individual, with documented instances on platforms like and as of 2023. This connotation draws from colloquial English for verbose personalities but lacks widespread adoption in formal linguistic corpora, appearing primarily in informal lists rather than empirical frequency analyses. In gaming slang, "LM" has referred to "Lunixmonster," a dedicated for the Natural Selection multiplayer game, used by players in early online communities to denote the server environment. Similar niche gaming abbreviations include "" for a level editor in hacking scenes, highlighting how "LM" fills roles in specialized player lexicons without broad crossover to mainstream usage. As a miscellaneous academic abbreviation, "LM" denotes "Laurea Magistrale" in the higher education system, equivalent to a (typically 2 years post-bachelor's) under the framework adopted since 1999. This usage is standardized across universities, such as Politecnico di Milano, where it classifies over 45 programs in fields like and as of 2025, requiring prior bachelor's-level preparation for enrollment.