CARDFILE Meaning and
Definition
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A cardfile is a mechanism or tool primarily used for organizing and storing small paper cards containing information or data that can be easily referenced and retrieved when needed. It is typically a physical filing system that consists of a set of compartments or drawers, each designed to hold individual cards.
The cards in a cardfile system are commonly rectangular in shape, often made of stiff paper or index stock, and can vary in size depending on the specific cardfile design. These cards are used to record valuable information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, notes, or any other kind of data that needs to be organized and accessed efficiently.
The cardfile system employs a hierarchical or alphabetical arrangement for easy indexing and location of desired cards. Each card is labeled with relevant details at the top or along one edge, providing quick visibility and identification when browsing through the files. The information on the cards can be updated or modified by writing directly on them or using adhesive labels.
Historically, cardfiles were widely used in businesses, libraries, and personal settings before the advent of digital databases and computerized storage systems. However, even in today's digital age, the term "cardfile" can also refer to electronic or digital equivalents, such as computer software applications or online platforms, that simulate the traditional card-based filing system for digital organization and retrieval of information.
Etymology of CARDFILE
The word "cardfile" is a combination of two words: "card" and "file".
The term "card" dates back to the 15th century and is derived from the Latin word "charta", which means "paper, document". "Card" originally referred to a playing card or a piece of stiff paper used for writing or printing information. Over time, it also came to mean a small piece of cardboard or thick paper used to provide information or identification.
The word "file" comes from the Old English word "feol" or "fēol", which meant "thread" or "string". It initially referred to a thread or string on which documents or records were threaded for preservation. Later, "file" came to mean a tool for shaping, smoothing, or cutting, and eventually developed into the modern meaning of a device or container for organizing and storing information.
Similar spelling words for CARDFILE
