File Definition
To store a file (aggregation of data) on a storage medium such as a disc or another computer.
- In or as if in a file for easy reference:
We will keep your résumé on file.
- In or as if in a file for easy reference:
We will keep your résumé on file.
- in line, one behind another
- (kept) in or as in a file for reference
Origin of File
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From Middle English filen to put documents on file from Old French filer to spin thread, to put documents on a thread from Late Latin fīlāre to spin, draw out in a long line from Latin fīlum thread gwhī- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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From Middle English filen to put documents on file from Old French filer to spin thread, to put documents on a thread from Late Latin fīlāre to spin, draw out in a long line from Latin fīlum thread gwhī- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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Louisiana French from French past participle of filer to spin thread (from its effect when added to hot liquids) from Old French file1
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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Middle English filen (“to defile”), from Old English fȳlan (“to defile, make foul”), from fūl (“foul”). More at defile.
From Wiktionary
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French file, from filer, “to spin out”, “arrange one behind another”, Latin fīlāre, from filum, “thread”.
From Wiktionary
Old English feol. Cognate with Dutch vijl, German Feile, West Frisian file.
From Wiktionary
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Middle English filen from Old English fȳlan pū̆- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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Middle English from Old English fīl peig- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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French fil (“thread”), Latin filum (“thread”).
From Wiktionary
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