What word has virtually the same meaning as markdown?

There isn't a single word that perfectly captures the same meaning as "markdown". It's a bit of a hybrid concept, encompassing both the format of the text and the process of converting it.

Here are some words that get close, depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize:

* Formatting:

* Plain text: This highlights the simplicity of Markdown.

* Lightweight markup: Emphasizes the minimal syntax.

* Markup language: More generic, but accurate.

* Process:

* Conversion: Focuses on the transformation from Markdown to HTML or other formats.

* Rendering: Describes the process of displaying the Markdown content.

* Styling: Highlights the ability to apply visual styles to the content.

Ultimately, the best word depends on the context. If you're talking about the syntax itself, "formatting" might be appropriate. If you're discussing the process of using Markdown, "conversion" or "rendering" could work.