Why web api url contains the word Api

i search google but found no write for Why web api url contains the word Api. in the above sample url has word called Api.

if i need to omit the word Api then what to do?

http://localhost:60233/Api/Student/GetStudentById/1
http://localhost:60233/Api/Student/GetStudentByLastName?lastName=Sam
http://localhost:60233/Api/Student/GetStudentByFirstName?firstName=Tom

if i need to use other word instead of Api then where to change the code. thanks