<networking> (DNS) A general-purpose distributed, replicated, data query service chiefly used on Internet for translating hostnames into Internet addresses. Also, the style of hostname used on the Internet (though such a name is properly called a fully qualified domain name). DNS can be configured to use a sequence of name servers, based on the domains in the name being looked for, until a match is found.
DNS is usually installed as a replacement for the hostname translation offered by Sun Microsystem's Network Information System. Whereas NIS relies on a single server, DNS is a distributed database. It can be queried interactively using the command nslookup. It is defined in STD 13, RFCs 1034 and 1035.
The Domain Name System refers to both the way of naming hosts and the servers and clients that administer that information across the Internet.
See also BIND.
Info from Virtual Office, Inc..
(21 Apr 1995)