file
n. countablen. a collection of information stored on a computer or a folder used to keep papers organized. You use it to keep your work or records in one place.
n. a collection of data stored in a digital format under a specific name, or a physical folder or box for storing documents in order. Often used in administrative or technical contexts.
I saved the new file on my desktop.
The lawyer asked his assistant to pull the client's file from the cabinet before the meeting started.
The system administrator warned that the corrupted file could compromise the integrity of the entire database if it were not isolated immediately.
From Old French fil (“thread”), from Latin fīlum (“thread”). Doublet of filum.
From French file, from filer (“to spin out, arrange one behind another”), from Latin fīlāre, from filum (“thread”).
From Middle English file, fyle, from Old English fēl, fēol (“file”), from earlier fīil, from Proto-Germanic finhlō, finhilō (“file, rasp”), from Proto-Indo-European *peyḱ- (“to adorn, form”). Cognate with West Frisian file (“file”), Dutch vijl (“file”), German Feile (“file”).
From Middle English filen (“to defile”), from Old English fȳlan (“to defile, make foul”), from Proto-West Germanic *fūlijan (“to make foul”). More at defile.
Commonly used with verbs like 'save', 'open', 'edit', or 'delete' in computing contexts.