What term refers to words used by a particular trade or profession that are not commonly understood by the general public?

The term that refers to specialized language used by a particular trade or profession is "jargon." Jargon consists of words and phrases that are specific to a certain field and may not be easily understood by those outside that profession. This allows professionals to communicate efficiently and precisely, using terminology that conveys complex ideas in a concise manner. For example, in the medical field, terms like "hypertension" or "hemoglobin" are part of the jargon used by healthcare providers.

Other terms mentioned do not fit this definition as well. Slang typically refers to informal language that may vary by region or culture but does not specifically relate to a profession. Textspeak refers to abbreviated forms of language used primarily in texting and online communication, which also isn't exclusive to a professional context. Editing pertains to the process of reviewing and revising content, not to the language used by a specific profession. Thus, the correct answer captures the essence of profession-specific vocabulary effectively.