metadata
/ˈmɛtəˌdeɪtə/
Definition
Descriptive information that provides context, definitions, or structural details for a specific data set, making the primary data easier to interpret and use.
Etymology
The word is a hybrid formation combining the Greek prefix 'meta-' (meaning 'beyond' or 'alongside') with the Latin word 'data' (meaning 'given'). It emerged in the mid-20th century to describe data that provides information about other data.
In the news
The article explains that metadata is essential for transparency and data democratization, as it helps team members understand what data points represent and the context in which they were collected. Without this documentation, data can easily be misinterpreted, leading to flawed decision-making.
Data Culture as a Preventive Control
Read the full article ↗Food Safety Magazine