Backup

From Fresh Dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Synonyms 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.4 Usage note

English

Etymology

From back up

Noun

backup or back-up (plural backups or back-ups)

1. A reserve or substitute.

   If the goalkeeper is injured, we have a backup.

2. (computing) A copy of a file or record, stored separately from the original, that can be used to recover the original if it is destroyed or damaged.

   After the power failure, we had to restore the database from backup.

3. An accumulation of material that halts the flow or movement of something.

   The blockage caused a backup in the plumbing.

Synonyms

• (reserve): reserve, stand-in, spare, substitute
• (computing: copy of a file or record):
• (accumulation of material that halts flow): block, blockage

Adjective

backup or back-up (no comparative or superlative; used only before a noun)

1. standby, reserve or extra

   I am only a backup player.

2. (computing) That is intended as a backup.

   Make a backup copy of that file.

Synonyms

• (reserve): extra, reserve, spare, standby

Usage note

Backup and back-up are the spellings of the noun and adjective. The verb back up is always spelled as two words and never with a hyphen.zh:backup