Wiktionary
alt. (context computing English) A very large three-dimensional array or table n. (context computing English) A very large three-dimensional array or table
Wikipedia
In computer programming contexts, a data cube (or datacube) is a three- (or higher) dimensional array of values, commonly used to describe a time series of image data. A data cube is also used in the field of imaging spectroscopy, since a spectrally-resolved image is represented as a three-dimensional volume. The data cube is used to represent data along some measure of interest. Even though it is called a 'cube', it can be 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, or higher-dimensional. Every dimension represents a new attribute in the database and the cells in the cube represent the measure of interest.
For a time sequence of color images, the array is generally four-dimensional, with the dimensions representing image X and Y coordinates, time, and RGB (or other color space) color plane.
Many high-level computer languages treat data cubes and other large arrays as single entities distinct from their contents. These languages, of which APL, IDL, NumPy, PDL, and S-Lang are examples, allow the programmer to manipulate complete film clips and other data en masse with simple expressions derived from linear algebra and vector mathematics. Some languages (such as PDL) distinguish between a list of images and a data cube, while many (such as IDL) do not.
A tensor of rank three may be represented as a data cube.
For business intelligence software, data cubes are built from pre-computed aggregates from sales/customer data.
Usage examples of "data cube".
Heris asked, pointing to the data cube and hardcopy on Oblo's desk.
She looked for the nearest non-match, which was back on T-3, where a cross-corridor on Deck Three that the ships database said ran through Forming Workshop 2-B ended on Pitaks data cube before reaching the workshop.
She thought for a long moment, put the data cube inside her parka, and walked over behind the king.
I found the contents of your personal computer, including the data cube that must have come from Henry ^ scattered throughout the trickle telemetry.
I could feel part of my attention stuck on the contraband data cube.
A Kwackoo servitor approached and knelt, proffering a data cube in its beak.
As Trystin strapped into the pilot's seat, the commander pulled out a data cube.
Inside was a data cube and a decidedly odd-looking implement, which reminded Dykstra of a hand weapon, though it wouldn't fit a hand properly.