What Does Database Server Mean?
The term database server may refer to both hardware and software used to run a database, according to the context. As software, a database server is the back-end portion of a database application, following the traditional client-server model. This back-end portion is sometimes called the instance. It may also refer to the physical computer used to host the database. When mentioned in this context, the database server is typically a dedicated higher-end computer that hosts the database.
Techopedia Explains Database Server
In the client-server computing model, there is a dedicated host to run and serve up the resources, typically one or more software applications. There are also several clients who can connect to the server and use the resources offered and hosted by this server.