What term defines the difference between total debits and total credits in accounting?

The term that defines the difference between total debits and total credits in accounting is "account balance." In accounting, every transaction is recorded using double-entry bookkeeping, where each entry has a corresponding debit and credit. The account balance represents the net amount after debits and credits are accounted for, indicating whether the account is in a surplus (positive balance) or deficit (negative balance).

This definition aligns closely with typical accounting practices, where an account balance is crucial for assessing the status of accounts over time. Understanding account balances is essential for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring that a business knows its financial position.

Other terms like financial statement, trial balance, and cash flow refer to broader concepts in accounting. A financial statement summarizes overall financial performance and position, the trial balance is an intermediate step to ensure that debits equal credits before preparing financial statements, and cash flow pertains to the movement of cash in and out of an entity, rather than the difference between debits and credits. Hence, "account balance" is the most precise term for the question posed.