retrieval

retrieve re‧trieve [rɪˈtriːv] verb [transitive]

1. COMPUTING to get back information that has been stored in a computer:

• The application stores and retrieves data according to the user's requirements.

• To retrieve a file, double click on it using the mouse.

2. if a company retrieves money, costs, or losses, it succeeds in obtaining an amount of money equal to the amount it spent or lost; = RECOUP:

• The bank will have trouble retrieving anything like the value of its loans.

— retrieval noun [uncountable] :

• efficient information retrieval

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retrieval UK US /rɪˈtriːv^əl/ noun [U]

► IT the process of getting stored information from a computer: »

This message has not been saved and is not available for retrieval.

»

A system of storage and retrieval of personnel records has been established.

a retrieval process/service/system »

a data retrieval system

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retrieval technology/software

► the act or process of getting something back, especially money or something that has been lost: »

ATM makers are considering using a consumer's iris to allow the retrieval of cash instead of punched-in passwords.

→ See also INFORMATION RETRIEVAL(Cf. ↑information retrieval)