big data

American  

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. Computers. data sets, typically consisting of billions or trillions of records, that are so vast and complex that they require new and powerful computational resources to process.

   Supercomputers can analyze big data to create models of global climate change.

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big data British  

plural noun

1. computing data held in such large amounts that it can be difficult to process

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Etymology

Origin of big data

First recorded in 1975–80, for an earlier sense

Example Sentences

This tension between speed and accuracy — and its disastrous effects on public trust in scientific research — is at the heart of Gary Smith’s “Distrust: Big Data, Data-Torturing, and the Assault on Science.”

From Washington Post

She has had an easier time than some because she was able to continue working her IT job, which involves using big data to find potential Russian fingerprints on foreign companies — an effort she considers therapeutic and patriotic.

From Washington Post

Analysts and investors say the Didi measures have more to do with big data and overseas listings by Chinese firms than competitive practices.

From Reuters

“The era of big data should not be viewed as an opportunity for big brother,” said Mr. Crapo.

From Washington Times

Authorities will aim to develop laws consistent with new sectors such as the digital economy, internet finance, artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, they said, adding that they would also improve the response to emergencies.

From Reuters