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Data Element

nouncandidate·updated May 9, 2026

A basic unit of information that has a unique meaning and subcategories (data items) of distinct value. Examples of data elements include gender, race, and geographic location.

Framework senses

NISTIR 7298: Glossary of Key Information Security Terms, Revision 21 senseview framework →
§1
A basic unit of information that has a unique meaning and subcategories (data items) of distinct value. Examples of data elements include gender, race, and geographic location.
CNSSI-4009 (Glossary of Information Assurance Terms)1 senseview framework →
§1
A basic unit of information that has a unique meaning and subcategories (data items) of distinct value. Examples of data elements include gender, race, and geographic location.
NIST SP 800-471 senseview framework →
§1
A basic unit of information that has a unique meaning and subcategories (data items) of distinct value. Examples of data elements include gender, race, and geographic location.