A "graph database" signifies a type of database that uses graph structures to represent and store data, with nodes, edges, and properties. This approach is particularly effective for managing and analyzing relationships between data entities. Graph databases excel in scenarios involving complex queries about interconnected data, such as social networks, recommendation systems, and fraud detection. By allowing fast traversal of relationships, they optimize performance for queries that require identifying links between various data points. Graph databases enable organizations to leverage their data's relational aspects for richer insights and better decision-making.