What does bounded context (a limited context) mean?

A Bounded Context is a boundary of meaning within a system, inside which its own model and language apply.

Inside the context, terms and rules are unambiguous; outside it, they can differ.

Example:

• In the "Sales" context, the word "Customer" = a buyer.
• In the "Support" context, "Customer" = someone filing a complaint.

The key point: each context is independent, with its own model, logic, database, and API. The relationship between contexts is described explicitly (through a Context Map).

Summary: a Bounded Context protects the model from "semantic confusion" and makes it easier to grow large systems.