Source : WordNet®

data mining
     n : data processing using sophisticated data search capabilities
         and statistical algorithms to discover patterns and
         correlations in large preexisting databases; a way to
         discover new meaning in data

Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

data mining
     
         Analysis of data in a {database} using tools which
        look for trends or anomalies without knowledge of the meaning
        of the data.  Data mining was invented by {IBM} who hold some
        related patents.
     
        Data mining may well be done on a {data warehouse}.
     
        {ShowCase STRATEGY (http://www.showcasecorp.com/)} is an
        example of a data mining tool.
     
        (2001-02-08)