[fʌɪl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a folder or box for holding loose papers together and in order for easy reference
(e.g: a file of correspondence)

- a number of issues and responsibilities relating to a particular policy area
(e.g: what progress has the Prime Minister made on the unity file?)


Phrases:
- on file

Origin:
late Middle English (as a verb meaning ‘string documents on a thread or wire to keep them in order’): from French filer ‘to string’, fil ‘a thread’, both from Latin filum ‘a thread’. Compare with file

[fʌɪl], (Verb)

Definitions:
- place (a document) in a cabinet, box, or folder in a particular order
(e.g: the contract, when signed, is filed)


Phrases:
- on file

Origin:
late Middle English (as a verb meaning ‘string documents on a thread or wire to keep them in order’): from French filer ‘to string’, fil ‘a thread’, both from Latin filum ‘a thread’. Compare with file

[fʌɪl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a line of people or things one behind another
(e.g: files of tourists stream up the narrow lanes of Mont St Michel)


Phrases:

Origin:
late 16th century: from French file, from filer ‘to string’

[fʌɪl], (Verb)

Definitions:
- (of a group of people) walk one behind the other, typically in an orderly and solemn manner
(e.g: the mourners filed into the church)


Phrases:

Origin:
late 16th century: from French file, from filer ‘to string’

[fʌɪl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a tool with a roughened surface or surfaces, typically of steel, used for smoothing or shaping a hard material


Phrases:

Origin:
Old English fīl, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch vijl and German Feile

[fʌɪl], (Verb)

Definitions:
- smooth or shape with a file
(e.g: never file your nails from the centre to the sides)


Phrases:

Origin:
Old English fīl, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch vijl and German Feile

[ˈfiːleɪ], (Noun)

Definitions:
- pounded or powdered sassafras leaves used to flavour and thicken soup, especially gumbo
(e.g: add filé to taste just before serving)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 19th century: from French, past participle of filer ‘to twist’