DATA DISCOVERY GLOSSARY PAGE
Application refers to set of software version, e.g. CMSSW_0_8_1, family type, e.g. Merged, RECO, and program used to produce this data, e.g. cmsRun.

Primary dataset identifies the data origin, e.g. common MC production criteria or trigger line for real data.

Data tier is a data type, e.g. RAW, RECO, DIGI, etc.

cff is a configuration file fragment

The naming conventions used on discovery page are discussed CMST0DataManagement and ProdForCSA06 pages