A word, phrase, or symbol that describes or characterizes something, providing information about its properties or qualities. In databases and cataloging systems, descriptors help organize and retrieve information.
From Latin 'describere' (to write down, describe) with the agent suffix '-or.' Emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly in library science and information technology for cataloging purposes.
Hashtags are modern descriptors! When you use #foodie or #sunset, you're doing exactly what librarians do—creating searchable descriptors that help people find content based on shared characteristics.
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