What does the term metadata refer to?

Metadata refers to information that provides context about other data. It acts as a descriptor, offering details about various characteristics of the data, such as its content, structure, and how it can be accessed or used. For example, metadata can include information about the creator of the data, the date the data was created, the format of the data, and its location in a database or file system.

This understanding of metadata as "information about data" makes it essential for organizing, managing, and retrieving data effectively. It enhances the usability of data by allowing users to make informed decisions about the data they are working with. In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of metadata. Unstructured data, encrypted data, and archived data refer to specific states or conditions of data rather than information that describes or contextualizes that data.