text: In common usage the terms "ring" and "ring system" are frequently interchanged, with the appropriate definition depending upon context. Typically a "ring" denotes a simple ring, unless otherwise qualified, as in terms like "polycyclic ring", "fused ring", "spiro ring" and "indole ring", where clearly a polycyclic ring system is intended. Likewise, a "ring system" typically denotes a polycyclic ring system, except in terms like "monocyclic ring system" or "pyridine ring system". To reduce ambiguity, IUPAC's recommendations on organic nomenclature avoid the use of the term "ring" by using phrases such as "monocyclic parent" and "polycyclic ring system".