Glossary term: Cookie
Also referred to as HTTP cookie, Web cookie, or tracking cookie.A message sent to a Web client (usually a browser) by a server. The Web client will store this message as a text file. This message is sent back (unchanged) to the server by the Web client each time it requests a page from that server.
Cookies are used for authenticating, session tracking, and for identifying users and maintaining site preferences or preparing customized Web pages for them.
The name "cookie" is derived from UNIX objects called "magic cookies."