Which of the following describes Metadata?

Metadata is defined as data that describes other data. This includes information that provides context and meaning to the actual data. For example, metadata can include details such as the format of the data, its creation date, who created it, and how it should be used. It essentially helps users and systems understand and utilize the underlying data more effectively.

In the context of data management, metadata is crucial because it enhances data discoverability, data quality, and data governance. By having descriptive attributes associated with datasets, users can easily identify the right data for their needs, facilitating better decision-making and data management practices.

The other options do not capture the essence of what metadata is. Irrelevant and unused data does not serve the purpose of enhancing understanding about actual data. Data stored in external databases is simply a description of where data might be located and does not convey any descriptive attributes about the data itself. Similarly, data processed by analytics tools refers to the actual data being analyzed rather than the descriptive information that would be considered metadata. Thus, the correct understanding of metadata encompasses the defining characteristics of what it entails.