Which term describes a word or symbol that functions in a search query, such as "AND" or "NOT"?

The term that describes a word or symbol functioning in a search query, specifically terms like "AND," "OR," and "NOT," is known as a Boolean operator. These operators are used to create more precise search queries and allow users to include or exclude certain terms or concepts.

For instance, using "AND" in a search query ensures that the results include all the terms connected by it, while "NOT" excludes certain terms from the search results. This enhances the efficiency and specificity of searches, especially in databases and search engines, where narrowing down results is often crucial.

On the other hand, while keywords refer to the main terms that a user is searching for, they do not fulfill the same function as Boolean operators. Keywords are the subject of a search, whereas Boolean operators help shape the relationship between those keywords. A search engine is the platform that processes these queries, but it does not define the characteristics of the words or symbols used within the queries. Parameters typically refer to specifications that dictate the scope of a search or function, which is different from the operational role of Boolean operators in forming search queries.