entryterm

Entryterm is a term used in several fields, most notably in the context of databases and information systems, to refer to a specific piece of data that has been entered into a system. This can encompass a wide range of information, such as a name, a number, a date, or a more complex data string. The term emphasizes the act of inputting the data, marking its initial insertion into a structured environment.

In lexicography and linguistics, an entryterm refers to the word or phrase that forms the headword or main item in a dictionary or glossary. It is the term being defined, and it typically appears at the beginning of an entry. The entryterm serves as the anchor point for the associated information, such as its definition, pronunciation, etymology, and usage examples.

The concept of an entryterm is fundamental to organizing and retrieving information. Whether dealing with a user inputting data into a form or a lexicographer preparing a dictionary, the entryterm represents the discrete unit of information that is the focus of an operation. Its precise meaning and application can vary, but the core idea of an initial, defining piece of data remains consistent across its different uses.