Simple definition
Replication metadata records versions, originating servers, and timestamps of Active Directory attribute changes.
Purpose and use
AD replication metadata describes versions and origins of object-attribute changes.
How does it work?
It includes information such as version, originating time and the identity of the database instance that produced a change.
Example and verification
To understand divergence, compare the same object's attribute across controllers rather than only file timestamps.
Points to watch
Metadata alone is not a complete audit trail identifying the user behind every modification.
In short
It supports directory-version and convergence analysis; attributing an action requires appropriate audit logs.