Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Metadata refers to descriptive information about data, such as its format, location, authorship, and creation date. It provides context and additional details that help organize and manage data effectively.
Related terms
Data Mining: It involves extracting patterns or knowledge from large datasets using various techniques such as statistical analysis and machine learning.
Data Dictionary: A centralized repository that contains definitions and descriptions for all data elements used within an organization's database system.
Structured Data: Refers to organized and well-defined data that fits into predefined formats (e.g., tables) making it easier for analysis and processing.