Definition of archive (2024)

(1) For the article repository, see arXiv.

(2) (noun) A file that contains one or more compressed files. Most archive formats are also capable of maintaining the folder structure in order to reconstruct the file/folder relationship when decompressed.

One File Is Easier to Distribute

More often than not, archives are used to combine several files into one for distribution. Depending on the type of data, the compression algorithm may reduce the files a lot or a little; however, the size reduction is often not important. It is the convenience of distributing one file and referencing only one file name. See self-extracting archive and archive formats.

(3) (verb) To compress one or more files and folders into a single file for backup or transport. Although archived files may remain in the same computer, the word "archive" implies data retention, and archived data is often stored in a secondary location for backup and historical purposes. See archive program, archive formats, backup software, active archiving and HSM.

Definition of archive (2024)

FAQs

What is the best definition of archive? ›

An archives is a place where people can go to gather firsthand facts, data, and evidence from letters, reports, notes, memos, photographs, and other primary sources.

What is an archive one word answer? ›

The archive or archives are a collection of documents and records that contain historical information.

What does it mean if something is archived? ›

: filed or collected in or as if in an archive. archived photographs. archived email messages. Newspapers should be lowering their prices for archived content.

What is archive in your own words? ›

An archive is a collection of older things — documents, books, movies, or something else — that's meant to preserve them. Archives tell us about history. An archive involves old stuff — specifically, a collection of old stuff, often put together by a librarian.

What is archiving in simple words? ›

/ˈɑːr.kaɪv/ to store historical records or documents in an archive. in computer technology, to store electronic information that you no longer need to use regularly: This software helps firms archive and retrieve emails.

What is the legal definition of archive? ›

n. records created or received by a person, family, or organization and preserved because of their continuing value (View Citations)

What is the other meaning of archive? ›

: a place in which public records or historical documents are preserved. also : the material preserved. usually used in plural. 2. : a collection of information.

What is the closest synonym for archive? ›

archives
  • library.
  • museum.
  • office.
  • registry.
  • repository.
  • storage.
  • treasury.
  • vault.

How do you describe archive? ›

Definition of 'Archive'

A collection of items which form evidence of the activities of a person or institution. A building where historical records are kept – also called 'archive centres', 'record offices' or 'repositories'. Any papers that are old or used infrequently.

What is the purpose of archiving? ›

The key reason to archive your documents is to avoid losing data. All documents are vulnerable to being destroyed or corrupted (if digital), either maliciously, by accident, or by a natural disaster, such as a flood or fire.

Does archived mean hidden? ›

When a post or story is archived, it becomes hidden from public view. This means that the content will no longer be visible to other users or followers on the user's profile or feed.

What happens when you archive something? ›

Whether you delete or archive an email message, it disappears from your inbox. A deleted message goes into the trash folder, but an archived message is defaulted to the Archive folder or All Mail on Gmail / Google Apps.

What is the meaning of archive in life? ›

Archives are the documentary by-product of human activity retained for their long-term value. The records created in the course of the everyday lives and actions of individuals and organisations offer direct insights into past events.

What is an example of an archive? ›

The archives of an individual may include letters, papers, photographs, computer files, scrapbooks, financial records, or diaries created or collected by the individual, regardless of medium or format.

Does archive mean delete? ›

Archiving doesn't mean deleting. You will still be able to search for archived emails in the future using the search bar in Gmail. You may want to archive an email that you don't need right now but may need to refer to in the future. All documents and attachments will remain.

Does archive mean save or delete? ›

Archiving doesn't mean deleting. You will still be able to search for archived emails in the future using the search bar in Gmail. You may want to archive an email that you don't need right now but may need to refer to in the future. All documents and attachments will remain.

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