Which database term refers to the formal structure that defines how data is organized and accessed?

The term that most accurately refers to the formal structure defining how data is organized and accessed is commonly known as a data schema. A data schema serves as a blueprint for the database, outlining the tables, fields, data types, relationships, and constraints that govern the data's structure and interactions. It provides a clear representation of how data elements relate to one another, thereby facilitating effective data management and retrieval.

In the context of database systems, the schema is crucial as it enables both developers and users to understand the layout of the data, which is foundational for constructing queries, ensuring data integrity, and maintaining the overall efficiency of database operations. This structured design allows for systematic organization, making it easier to handle data in a logical manner.

While terms like data model and database architecture may describe broader concepts within database design, they do not encapsulate the specific formal structure represented by a schema. The data model can refer to theoretical frameworks for representing data relationships, while database architecture pertains to the overall design and layout of the database system, including how databases interact within the IT environment. Information structure, though somewhat related, does not explicitly convey the detailed organization and structural aspects of data as a data schema does.