In metadata, the term data element is an atomic unit of data that has precise meaning or precise semantics. A data element has: An identification such as a data element name A clear data element definition One or more representation terms Optional enumerated values Code (metadata) A list of synonyms to data elements in other metadata registries Synonym ring Data elements usage can be discovered by inspection of software applications or application data files through a process of manual or automated Application Discovery and Understanding. Once data elements are discovered they can be registered in a metadata registry. In telecommunication, the term data element has the following components: A named unit of data that, in some contexts, is considered indivisible and in other contexts may consist of data items. A named identifier of each of the entities and their attributes that are represented in a database. A basic unit of information built on standard structures having a unique meaning and distinct units or values. In electronic record-keeping, a combination of characters or bytes referring to one separate item of information, such as name, address, or age. In the areas of databases and data systems more generally a data element is a concept forming part of a data model. As an element of data representation, a collection of data elements forms a data structure. In practice In practice, data elements (fields, columns, attributes, etc.) are sometimes "overloaded", meaning a given data element will have multiple potential meanings. While a known bad practice, overloading is nevertheless a very real factor or barrier to understanding what a system is doing. See also Application Discovery and Understanding Data element definition Data dictionary Data hierarchy ISO/IEC 11179 metadata registry specification Metadata Representation term Universal Data Element Framework Data collection system References External links Association for Enterprise Integration Federal XML Developer's Guide ISO/IEC 11179 Standards (see ISO/IEC 11179-3:2003 clause 3.3.36) Metadata Enterprise application integration