flat file
- noun
- /flæt faɪl/
- Specialized
:
lima plana
- The carpenter used a flat file to smooth the rough edges of the wooden shelf.
Examples
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Using a flat file is essential for achieving a smooth surface on intricate wood carvings.
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To shape the metal piece accurately, she carefully worked with a flat file.
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There are problems with the flat file being organized around the inventory items.
Academic text (2002) -
The ILI-specific software is designed around the use of the flat file described above.
Academic text (2002) -
The flat file, while appropriate for the early years of ILI, will not support the planned growth.
Academic text (2002) -
The current software application is designed around a single large flat file consisting of all sales orders, invoices, and purchase orders for each plant.
Academic text (2002) -
If not, extracting to a flat file, using the system sort, and summarizing that should also be very quick, minutes not hours.
Blog text (23) -
Figure 5 presents a portion of that flat file for the inventory purchases and receipts.
Academic text (2002) -
DIAGRAM: FIGURE 5 Flat File with Repeating Groups for Inventory Purchases and Receipts
Academic text (2002) -
While simple in concept and design (a flat file with repeating groups), this file creates complexities and inefficiencies with respect to data access due to the file's size.
Academic text (2002)
Synonyms
54
5.6
A rough tool with sharp teeth used to shape metal or wood
1
4.0
A tool used to smooth and shape wood and metal by rubbing
A machine that makes a surface flat and even
How Narrow
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun is a straightforward compound where 'flat' qualifies 'file' to indicate a file with flat surfaces; the meaning (a file used for smoothing with flat faces) is directly derivable from the constituents. This follows a common noun+modifier compounding pattern and, while somewhat technical, is predictable for a B1 learner who knows both words.
Etymology
Flat file comes from a simple picture: a long file with two flat faces covered in small teeth that you rub over wood or metal to make the surface even. So the name shows its use — a tool for 'smoothing' or 'shaping' material.