noun

file

Translation

file, folder, rasp, line

Please put this letter in the file.

I saved the digital file to my computer.

He used a metal file on the sharp edge.

They walked in single file.

((a file for sth.)) a folder for holding (sth.) I need a file for these invoices.

((a file on sb./sth.)) a collection of information about (sb./sth.) The police keep a file on all suspects.

((in single file)) in a line, one behind the other The children walked in single file.

Synonyms: folder, document; rasp; line, queue

The sense 'folder' is from Latin 'filum' (thread), for stringing papers. The tool is from Old English 'feol'. They are separate words that merged.

Picture 'filing' papers into a folder, or 'filing' your nails with a nail file. Both actions use a 'file'.