General:
* Word: This is the most basic term, simply indicating that a noun is a type of word.
* Lexical item: A more technical term for a word, emphasizing its role in the lexicon.
* Part of speech: This term emphasizes the noun's grammatical function.
Specific:
* Name: This term emphasizes the noun's function as a label for a person, place, thing, or idea.
* Entity: This term emphasizes the noun's role in representing a concrete or abstract thing.
* Subject: This term emphasizes the noun's role as the main topic of a sentence.
* Object: This term emphasizes the noun's role as the receiver of an action.
The best term to use depends on the specific context and what you want to emphasize about the noun.