WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

data mining
    n 1: 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

The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

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://showcasecorp.com/) is an
   example of a data mining tool.

   (2001-02-08)