Is AVAX and Avalanche the same?

I'm a bit confused here. Could you clarify for me if AVAX and Avalanche are one and the same? I've heard these terms used interchangeably in some discussions about blockchain and cryptocurrencies, but I'm not entirely sure if they refer to the same thing. If they are different, could you explain the key differences between them? I'm particularly interested in understanding their roles in the crypto ecosystem and how they might affect investors' decisions. Your insight would be greatly appreciated.