Floppy

Intermediate 💻 Tech / IT

Definition

A flexible magnetic disk used for data storage on computers from the 1970s through early 2000s, typically 3.5 inches in diameter and encased in a plastic shell. The term 'floppy' refers to the flexible disk inside the protective casing.

Example Usage

I saved my term paper on a floppy disk before bringing it to the library computer.

Origin

Named for the physical flexibility of the magnetic storage medium inside the protective plastic jacket.

Fun Fact

The floppy disk icon used in modern software to represent 'save' is still modeled after the 3.5-inch floppy, even though most users have never seen one.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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