Meta

Last Updated: April 26, 2013

Definition - What does Meta mean?

Meta refers to an active conceptual or functional component that is not visible. Programming languages, especially HTML, use the meta prefix to describe related terms. HTML defines meta as structural coding elements that are used extensively to provide detailed Web page information, like breaking down the structure of a Web page for understanding and clarity.

The Greek meta prefix translates as "hidden" in the English language.

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Techopedia explains Meta

In programming, meta is used to define postfix notations, related words, different types of Web page elements or HTML meta tags denoted by meta identifiers. Metadata defines data that is about data, including production origin, time and format.

The meta prefix is noted in HTML-based Web pages to delineate a page’s different components. According to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), HTML meta tag elements define the description, keywords, author and other details related to a Web page. Meta tags always reside in the head element section, which is used to describe a Web page.

Meta tag implementation components include meta keywords, meta descriptions and meta owners.