Final answer:
The A (Address) record in the DNS database returns a 32-bit IP address. It associates domain names with the server's IPv4 address, unlike other records which serve different functions such as email routing or aliases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The DNS record that returns a 32-bit IP address is the A (Address) record. When you query DNS for a domain name, the A record is responsible for mapping the human-readable domain to the corresponding 32-bit IPv4 address of the server where the website is hosted. The other records serve different purposes: The MX record directs email to mail servers, the AAAA record maps domain names to 128-bit IPv6 addresses, CNAME is used to create aliases for domain names, and PTR records are used for reverse DNS lookups.