Kirjeldamata

Kirjeldamata is an Estonian adjective meaning not described or undocumented. It is used to characterize records, items, or data entries that lack descriptive information or metadata.

Formation and meaning: kirjeldama is the verb “to describe.” The form kirjeldamata is the negative participle/adjective created with the common suffix -mata, indicating absence of description. The related forms include kirjeldatud (described) and kirjeldus (description). In practice, kirjeldamata modifies nouns to signal that no description has been provided.

Usage and context: the term is commonly found in archival, library, and museum contexts, where cataloging and metadata practices distinguish between described and undescribed holdings. It helps staff prioritize description work, guide data entry, and communicate the status of items in inventories or digital catalogs. In research or note-taking, kirjeldamata may be used to indicate sources or specimens that lack descriptive notes or provenance information.

Limitations and scope: kirjeldamata is primarily used within Estonian-language settings and metadata workflows. While its direct translation is “undocumented,” in non-Estonian contexts the equivalent terms are described as “undocumented” or “lacking description.” It is not a standalone technical standard, but a practical label within descriptive cataloging practices.

See also: kirjeldus, kirjeldusandmed, documented/description in metadata, archival description.