file1

 
Pronunciation: /fʌɪl/

noun

  • 1a folder or box for holding loose papers together and in order for easy reference: a file of correspondence
  • a collection of information about a particular person or thing: MI5 were keeping a file on him
  • Computing a collection of data, programs, etc. stored in a computer’s memory or on a storage device under a single identifying name: you can save the file to your hard disk
  • 2Canadian a number of issues and responsibilities relating to a particular policy area: what progress has the Prime Minister made on the unity file?

verb

[with object]
  • place (a document) in a cabinet, box, or folder in a particular order: the contract, when signed, is filed figurative he still had the moment filed away in his memory
  • submit (a legal document, application, or charge) to be placed on record by the appropriate authority: criminal charges were filed against the firm [no object]: the company had filed for bankruptcy
  • (of a reporter) send (a story) to a newspaper or news organization.

Phrases

on file

in a file or filing system.

Derivatives

filer

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (as a verb meaning 'string documents on a thread or wire to keep them in order'): from French filer 'to string', fil 'a thread', both from Latin filum 'a thread'. Compare with file2