floppy disk

Definition

A small, removable magnetic storage device used from the 1970s through early 2000s to store and transfer computer data, typically holding 1.44 MB on the ubiquitous 3.5-inch version. The name derives from the flexible plastic coating that originally housed the magnetic medium.

Example Usage

I backed up my important files to a floppy disk before the hard drive crashed.

Origin

From the flexible nature of the original 8-inch magnetic storage medium, which was literally floppy.

Fun Fact

The save icon in most modern software still depicts a 3.5-inch floppy disk, despite the format becoming obsolete decades ago.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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