The term "seeding" refers to the process used in tournaments to establish the placement of competitors based on their relative skill levels or past performances. In seeding, higher-ranked players or teams are distributed in a way that prevents them from facing each other in the early rounds. This system aims to ensure that the best competitors meet later in the tournament, enhancing overall competitiveness and excitement. Proper seeding is crucial in sports like tennis and basketball to maintain fairness and balance during events.