Proper noun
Internet Relay Chat
(Internet) A protocol for instant communication via the Internet. Users connect to a network and join channels (chat rooms) where they can converse in typed text with other participants.
It looks similar to several other group chat apps you’ve used before — think AOL Instant Messenger or the nerdier Internet Relay Chat, better known by its initials, IRC." Source: Internet
Notably the Internet Relay Chat (IRC), which is more pragmatic and scales better for large numbers of small groups. Source: Internet