delete

Definition: (1) To render a file unusable, usually by removing its reference from the list of contents or file allocation table for the storage medium on which the file is kept. * A distinction is sometimes made between logical deletion after which it is possible to recover the file and physical deletion, after which file recovery is difficult but maybe possible. In both cases, the original file itself may still be lurking on the floppy or hard disk and only the cataloguing data is lost. * Special undelete and recovery utitlities may be able to reconstruct the file. (2) To remove an item, such as a letter, selected block of words or cells, selected part of a graphic or an image, usually by hitting a delete or back-space key. * Compare with cut, when the selected element is removed to temporary storage in a pasteboard.

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