What term describes the input given by a user to search for information in a search engine?

The term that accurately describes the input given by a user to search for information in a search engine is "query." A query is a specific request for information made by the user, which search engines interpret to return relevant results from their indexed content. It can consist of single words or phrases and is formulated to yield the most useful outcomes based on the user’s intent.

While "keyword" refers to a significant term within a query that the search engine focuses on, it doesn't encompass the full scope of what a user inputs, making "query" the more comprehensive choice. "Input" is a broader term that could refer to any kind of user interaction and lacks the specificity pertaining to search queries. "String" refers to a sequence of characters used in programming and data management but does not convey the nuanced intention behind a user's request for information in a search context. Thus, "query" is the most precise and fitting term for this particular question about search engine interactions.