Query

A word, a phrase or a group of words, possibly combined with other syntax used to pass instructions to a search engine or a directory in order to locate web pages.

The actual "search string" a searcher enters into a search engine.

A keyword, or phrase inquiry entered into a search engine or database. A person types in words and the search engine database returns results that matches the user's query.

A request for identification of a set of assets, expressed in terms of a set of criteria, which the identified item must satisfy.

The combination of the word or words used for searching, and any options allowed by the search engine.

Any operation which obtains either data or attributes from an object [POSIX.6].