What is Meta description?

A brief text snippet shown in the search engine results page that describes a page's content and can influence whether searchers click through to your site.

From #SEOpodcast 276 - Meta Description Tips

A short text snippet that appears in search results beneath a page title. The episode recommends using successful paid ad text in meta descriptions to improve click-through and conversions.

From #SEOPodcast293 - 7 Content Growth Hacks to Help Drive More Qualified Traffic

The text shown under a link on a search engine result page, described in the episode as the first opportunity for SEO and required to be engaging, enticing, and setting the expectation.

From 14 Ways to Get Smarter With Your Content and SEO by Jim Yu #391

The text tag in a webpage's source code that Google typically displays in search results, serving as the first sales pitch to a potential visitor before they click.

From Internet Marketing Starts with your Domain Name, A Great Interview Part 2 of 4 - Unknown Secrets of SEO E-Webstyle Number 29

An HTML tag that Google pulls to display as the snippet under a search result. The hosts say it should include target keywords early and an abbreviated call to action to improve click-through and conversion.

From Mobile SEO Strategies, SEVO and Viral Videos - Internet Marketing Podcast - Number 96