payload

/ˈpeɪˌloʊd/
noun
  1. The total weight of cargo, passengers, or equipment that a vehicle, aircraft, or spacecraft can carry.
    • The rocket can deliver a payload of satellites into orbit.
    • The truck's payload capacity is two tons.
    • The cargo plane was loaded with its maximum payload.
  2. The part of a computer virus or malware that performs a harmful action, such as deleting files or stealing data.
    • The antivirus software detected a malicious payload in the email attachment.
    • The worm's payload was designed to erase hard drives.
    • Security experts analyzed the payload of the ransomware.
  3. The valuable information or data carried in a message, packet, or transmission, as opposed to headers or metadata.
    • The sensor sends a payload of temperature readings every minute.
    • In the API response, the payload includes the requested data.
    • The network packet's payload contained the user's login details.
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