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backup

backup

114 2.1
A copy of data kept so you can get it back if lost
  • noun
  • /ˈbækʌp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : copia de seguridad
  • Whatever had gone wrong had left most of the backup systems operational.
  • backup files
  • backup copies
  • backup and recovery

Put another way, was the backup hard drive of the cell, right?

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Examples

  • Other than that, I have my laptop, I have my backup hard drive, always the passport.

  • The recorder served as a backup to the computerized data-retrieval system.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • I had a backup on my cell phone.

  • That means backup systems, two backup systems.

  • We'll need the backup plan.

  • Complete system backups are performed monthly, and the latest generation is kept in remote storage.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The entire business's backups are on a single hard drive.

  • At NYCCC, backups are performed daily for all data and program files modified that day.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Mrs. Brownlee also has a backup printout of the draft IEP in case a technology problem occurs.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Before making any changes, be sure to create a backup of your important files.

Synonyms

backup file
vsbackup
  • Specialized
3 2.8

A file that stores a copy of other files so you can get them back if they are lost

is a general separate copy kept to protect data from loss or damage

Antonyms

194 3.5

The first version of something from which copies are made

Compounds

backup system
  • Specialized
9 3.4

A computer setup that makes and stores copies of files to get them back after loss

backup file
  • Specialized
3 2.8

A file that stores a copy of other files so you can get them back if they are lost

A man who helps or replaces someone during dangerous tasks

How Complete

backup
  • Specialized
114 2.1
copy
1.0

Surface Forms

backup singular
backups plural

Morphology

backup = back + up (transparent) = back + up

The data sense is a direct nominalization of the phrasal verb 'back up' (to make a duplicate), so the compound structure transparently indicates a copy kept as support/protection.

Etymology

Backup comes from back + up, meaning something kept 'back' or 'in reserve' for safety. So a backup file is a saved copy you keep in case the original is lost.