The term DELETE refers to a command used in various programming and database management languages to remove data from a database or a data structure. This operation is crucial for maintaining data integrity and managing storage efficiently, allowing users to eliminate unnecessary or outdated information. In SQL, for example, the DELETE statement is used to remove records from a table based on specified conditions. Proper use of this command is essential, as it can lead to permanent loss of data if not executed carefully, highlighting the importance of backups and data recovery strategies.