The word "untar" is spelled with the letters U-N-T-A-R. It is pronounced /ʌnˈtɑːr/ (un-tahr), with the stress on the second syllable. The "un-" prefix means to remove or undo something, while "tar" refers to the sticky black substance often used for paving roads. Therefore, "untar" means to remove tar, either from a surface or material. This word is commonly used in the construction industry and can also be used metaphorically to imply the removal of something unwanted or negative.
Untar is a verb that refers to the process of decompressing or extracting files from a tar archive. A tar archive, also known as a tarball, is a file format that is commonly used in Unix-like operating systems to bundle multiple files or directories into a single file for easy distribution or storage. The term "untar" is derived from the Unix command "tar" that is used to create or extract tar archives.
When files are bundled into a tar archive, they are compressed to reduce their size and make them easier to transfer or store. The untar process involves reversing this compression by extracting the files from the tar archive and restoring them to their original format. This can be done using various software tools or commands depending on the operating system being used.
The untar process typically involves specifying the path or location of the tar archive and the destination directory where the extracted files will be placed. Once initiated, the untar process identifies and expands each file within the archive, recreating the complete directory structure and retaining the original file attributes such as permissions and timestamps.
Overall, the term "untar" is used to describe the action of decompressing and extracting files from a tar archive, allowing users to access and utilize the individual files contained within the archive.
The word "untar" originates from the combination of the prefix "un-" and the verb "tar".
The prefix "un-" is derived from Old English, and it is used to indicate negation, deprivation, reversal, or removal of a specified quality.
The verb "tar" comes from Old English "teorian", meaning "to deprive of, take away, bereave". It is related to the Old Norse word "tara", which means "to refuse or reject".
Therefore, "untar" is formed by attaching the prefix "un-" to the verb "tar", to denote the act of removing or reversing the application of tar or its qualities.