What is "linq-to-entities"

LINQ to Entities provides LINQ (Integrated Language Query) support that allows developers to write queries in the Entity Framework conceptual model using Visual Basic or Visual C#.

Queries in the Entity Framework are represented by command tree queries, which are executed in the object context. LINQ to Entities converts LINQ queries into command tree queries, executes the queries in the Entity Framework, and returns the objects that can be used by the Entity Framework and LINQ.