A filter created on an item that restricts which values to return is a(an)?

The correct term for a mechanism that limits the values returned when working with data is a condition. In data management and analysis contexts, a condition defines specific requirements or stipulations that must be met for data to be included in query results.

By setting conditions, users can refine their searches based on particular attributes or thresholds, ensuring that only the relevant data that align with those criteria are retrieved. This capability is essential in various applications, such as databases and data analytics, where managing large datasets requires targeted and efficient querying techniques.

In contrast, while a filter can also refer to a broader set of definitions and operations that may include multiple elements for data manipulation, the term "condition" is specifically accurate in the context of restricting or determining which values are returned in response to a data query.