Data element

In telecommunication, the term data element has the following meanings:

1. A named unit of data that, in some contexts, is considered indivisible and in other contexts may consist of data items.

2. A named identifier of each of the entities and their attributes that are represented in a database.

3. A basic unit of information built on standard structures having a unique meaning and distinct units or values.

4. In electronic recordkeeping, a combination of characters or bytes referring to one separate item of information, such as name, address, or age.

Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from the Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms