Metadata is information that provides details about other data. It helps to describe, explain, or categorize the primary data, making it easier to find, use, and manage. For example, in a digital photo, metadata can include the date the photo was taken, the camera settings, and the location where it was captured. This additional information enhances the understanding of the image without altering the photo itself. In the context of databases, metadata plays a crucial role in organizing and retrieving information efficiently. It can describe the structure of the data, such as the types of fields in a database table, or the relationships between different data sets. By using metadata, users can quickly locate and utilize the data they need.