What does 'query' refer to in SQL?

In SQL, the term 'query' specifically refers to a search for data that fits specific parameters, which is why this choice is the correct answer. When you construct a query in SQL, you are utilizing the language to ask the database to retrieve, manipulate, or perform operations on the data that meets certain criteria. This often involves using commands like SELECT to specify what data to look for, along with conditions that filter the results.

A method of sorting data does play a role in how results from a query can be presented, but sorting itself does not encompass the full meaning of a query. Although the definition of a database schema is crucial for understanding the structure of a database, it does not characterize what a query is. Lastly, a collection of all database records can be viewed as a potential result of a query, particularly if no filters are applied, but this concept doesn't specifically define what a query is in the context of SQL operations. Therefore, the focus on searching for specific data aligns directly with the definition and practical application of a query in SQL.