Definition: complex data type

Any data that does not fall into the traditional field structure (alpha, numeric, dates) of a relational DBMS. Examples of complex data types are bills of materials, word processing documents, maps, time-series, images and video. In a relational DBMS, complex data types are stored in a LOB, but either the client application or some middleware is required to process the data. In an object DBMS or an object-relational DBMS, complex data types are stored as objects that are integrated into and activated by the DBMS.