Degree centrality is a measure used in network analysis to determine the importance of a node within a graph. It counts the number of direct connections a node has to other nodes. A higher degree centrality indicates that a node is more connected, which can suggest greater influence or access to information within the network. In social networks, for example, individuals with high degree centrality may have more friends or followers, making them key players in communication and information dissemination. This concept helps researchers understand the structure and dynamics of various networks, including social media, transportation, and biological systems.