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Glite Dictionary
File Transfer Protocol

File Transfer Protocol

3.7
A standard way for computers to send files to each other over the internet
  • noun
  • /faɪl ˈtrænsfɜr ˈproʊtɒkəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Protocolo de Transferencia de Archivos
  • Another critical function is file transfer protocol (FTP).
  • File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Examples

  • The process generally employs FTP (File Transfer Protocol) but is not apparent in many web browsers.

    Academic text (1997)

  • This method can be performed in two ways: agencies can transfer data and OSC can upload it into CAS by using either IBM cartridges or File Transfer Protocol (FTP).

    Academic text (2005)

  • Downloading and uploading files using FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

    Academic text (2005)

  • Many other features of Internet usage, such as retrieving files from distant computers (File Transfer Protocol), logging on to other computers (Telnet), and retrieving and viewing pictures, are not discussed in this article.

    Academic text (1995)

  • The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) allows you to copy a file from another computer to your own.

  • Using File Transfer Protocol, you can easily download updates from the server to your computer.

  • Many software applications utilize File Transfer Protocol to upload files to cloud storage.

Synonyms

FTP
vsFile Transfer Protocol
  • Specialized
8 4.1

A way for computers to send and receive files over a network

is the full written form rather than the short form

Surface Forms

File Transfer Protocol singular
File Transfer Protocols plural

Morphology

file + transfer + protocol

The meaning is fully compositional: combining 'file' (a document), 'transfer' (the act of moving), and 'protocol' (a set of rules) yields 'rules for moving files.' This follows ordinary noun–noun composition and has clear parallels in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can infer the general meaning (even if not the technical specifics).

Etymology

File Transfer Protocol is easy to imagine: think of a box delivery where file is the box, transfer is moving it, and protocol is the simple set of steps both people follow. So it means a standard way for computers to 'move files' to each other over the internet.