database

American  

[dey-tuh-beys] / ˈdeɪ təˌbeɪs /

Or data-base,

noun

1. a comprehensive collection of related data datum organized for convenient access, generally in a computer.

2. data bank.

---

database British  

/ ˈdeɪtəˌbeɪs /

noun

1. a systematized collection of data that can be accessed immediately and manipulated by a data-processing system for a specific purpose

2. informal any large store of information

   a database of knowledge

---

database Scientific  

/ dā′tə-bās′,dăt′ə- /

1. A collection of data arranged for ease and speed of search and retrieval by a computer.

---

database Cultural  

1. A set of data grouped together in one location in (or accessible by) a computer. A computerized database has been likened to an electronic filing cabinet of information arranged for easy access or for a specific purpose.

---

Etymology

Origin of database

First recorded in 1965–70; data + base ¹

Example Sentences

He attended Syracuse University, studied drama and history and later was hired at American Lawyer Media as an assignment editor for a civil tort database.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We couldn't find many of the genes within any database," Gallio said.

From Science Daily

Her family is one of 33 awaiting word from loved ones reported missing in Arizona in the past year to the US justice department's missing-persons database.

From BBC

Underlying the analysis is a database of ICE I-213 records obtained by the University of Washington.

From Salon

Essentially, the tool allows an enterprise to make sense of what would normally be spreadsheets and databases.

From Barron's