What is the primary purpose of the term "Traffic" in air traffic control?

The primary purpose of the term "Traffic" in air traffic control is to identify other aircraft in the vicinity, primarily to enhance situational awareness. When controllers refer to "traffic," they are indicating the presence and location of other aircraft that may be relevant to the pilot's operations, especially when there is a risk of collision or when they need to maintain separation.

For instance, informing a pilot about traffic in a specified direction or altitude helps to build an understanding of what other aircraft are doing, allowing for safer navigation and maneuvering. This communication is essential for maintaining safety and operational efficiency in crowded airspace.

Transferring radar identification of an aircraft to another controller is a specific function of air traffic coordination, while providing weather updates and reporting maintenance issues are more oriented towards different aspects of aviation safety and communication, rather than the primary definition of "traffic" in the context of air traffic control.