"nominal terms" means the way something is described or communicated without considering any changes in value over time or other factors. Full definition
Thus, investors lose in nominal terms only if the fund is sold before maturity in a rising rate environment, or there is widespread default on the underlying bonds. (etfbase.com)
So, wages are rising in nominal terms throughout the pay scale, and low inflation means most of these gains are real. (jaredbernsteinblog.com)
With respect to return of money vs. return on money, we should remember that what matters is return of money in real terms, not nominal terms. (kevinoninvesting.com)