Primary definition
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. Source: NIST SP 800-47
Also known asdata field · information unit · data item · attribute · data point
2 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
— Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015View source
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CNSSGC
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. Source: NIST SP 800-47
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015 · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Data Element. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/data-element
Sources
2 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026
01
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
High consensus
02
The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary
Multi-source
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