Eric M Russell (10/7/2015)
A data dictionary, or metadata repository, as defined in the IBM Dictionary of Computing, is a "centralized repository of information about data such as meaning, relationships to other data, origin, usage, and format."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_dictionary
Unfortunately an automated tool can't describe the meaning of database entities. However, one good feature to look for an automated database cataloging tool is to ability to output to Excel or MS Word, so domain experts and developers within IT can fill in that detail.
Agreed. Not describing either meaning or caveats is the biggest drawback no matter how good the tool is at a pretty presentation. The best way to keep the meaning with the database is through extended properties. Then, you can do some really cool stuff when it comes to a meaningful data dictionary.
--Jeff Moden
Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.