archive
UK: ˈɑːkaɪv | US: ˈɑːrkaɪv
n. 1. A collection of historical documents or records.
n. 2. A place where such records are stored.
vt. 1. To place or store something in an archive.
archive = arch<chief, ancient> + ive<noun suffix>
- arch (from Greek arkhē, meaning "beginning" or "chief") → Refers to something primary or authoritative.
- ive (Latin -ivus, forming nouns denoting a function or place) → Indicates a place or collection.
Etymology Origin:
The word "archive" traces back to Greek arkheion (a public record office), derived from arkhē (beginning, authority). It entered Latin as archivum, then Old French archive, before settling into English. The morpheme "arch" reflects the idea of authority or primacy, while "ive" marks it as a repository—logically evolving into a place for preserving authoritative records.
The museum's archive contains letters from the 18th century.
She works at the national archives, cataloging historical manuscripts.
The software allows you to archive old emails automatically.
Researchers accessed the digital archive to study climate data.
The film was archived in a temperature-controlled vault.