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Columnar: meaning, definitions and examples

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columnar

 

[ ˈkɑː.ləm.nər ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

data structure

Columnar refers to a format or structure that is organized in columns. It is often used in database systems and data management, where data can be stored and accessed efficiently in a column-oriented way. This structure allows for better performance when querying or aggregating data, particularly when dealing with large datasets. In a columnar database, data entries are stored column by column rather than row by row, which can significantly improve the speed of read operations.

Synonyms

column-wise, vertical

Examples of usage

  • The new database system uses a columnar format for faster analytics.
  • Columnar storage is favored in big data environments for its efficiency.
  • Using a columnar approach can enhance the performance of data retrieval processes.

Translations

Translations of the word "columnar" in other languages:

🇵🇹 colunar

🇮🇳 स्तंभाकार

🇩🇪 säulenförmig

🇮🇩 kolumnar

🇺🇦 колонкоподібний

🇵🇱 kolumnowy

🇯🇵 コラム状の

🇫🇷 colonnaire

🇪🇸 columnar

🇹🇷 sütun şeklinde

🇰🇷 열(column) 형태의

🇸🇦 عمودي

🇨🇿 sloupcový

🇸🇰 stĺpcový

🇨🇳 柱状的

🇸🇮 stolpci

🇮🇸 súluformaður

🇰🇿 бағандық

🇬🇪 სვეტური

🇦🇿 sütunvari

🇲🇽 columnar

Word origin

The term 'columnar' originates from the Latin word 'columnaris', which means 'pertaining to a column'. It was first used in English in the late 19th century, primarily in architectural contexts to describe structures that feature columns. The application of the term has since broadened, particularly in the fields of data storage and database management, where it describes the arrangement of data in vertical columns. With the rise of modern technology and big data concepts, the columnar structure has gained prominence as a more efficient way to handle large datasets, leading to its increasing usage in various technical domains.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,476, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.