DBMS: Entity Relationship Diagram (Definitions)

"A graphical method of showing the entities, relationships, and attributes in a data model." (Owen Williams, "MCSE TestPrep: SQL Server 6.5 Design and Implementation", 1998)

"Drawings of boxes and lines to communicate the relationship between tables. Both third normal form (3NF) and dimensional models can be represented as ER diagrams because both consist of joined relational tables. The key difference between the models is the degree of dimension normalization. A dimensional model is a second normal form (2NF) model." (Ralph Kimball & Margy Ross, "The Data Warehouse Toolkit" 2nd Ed., 2002)

"The ERD is a proven and reliable data-modeling approach with straightforward rules of construction. The normalization rules yield a stable, consistent data model that upholds the policies and rules of engagement established by the enterprise. The resulting database schema is the most efficient in terms of storage and data loading as well." (Claudia Imhoff et al, "Mastering Data Warehouse Design", 2003)

"A diagram that represents the structural contents (the fields) in tables for an entire schema, in a database. Additionally included are schematic representations of relationships between entities, represented by various types of relationships, plus primary and foreign keys." (Gavin Powell, "Beginning Database Design", 2006)

"A diagram (or graph) of entities and their relationships, and possibly the attributes of those entities." (Toby J Teorey, ", Database Modeling and Design" 4th Ed., 2010)

"A diagram that depicts an entity relationship model’s entities, attributes, and relations." (Carlos Coronel et al, "Database Systems: Design, Implementation, and Management" 9th Ed, 2011)

"The graphical diagram for an Entity Relationship data model. The underlying data model generally includes more semantics than is or can be represented in the view shown on the diagram, e.g., some business rules." (DAMA International, "The DAMA Dictionary of Data Management", 2011)

 "An E/R diagram graphically depicts the entities and relationships of a data model." (Craig S Mullins, "Database Administration: The Complete Guide to DBA Practices and Procedures" 2nd Ed, 2012)