Microfiche Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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microfiche

[ˈmaɪkroʊˌfiːʃ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

storage medium

Microfiche is a flat sheet of film containing microphotographs of documents. It is used as a storage medium for large amounts of information, making it easier to store and transport than traditional paper. Typically, microfiche can store several hundred pages of text on a single sheet of film, which is then viewed using a special reader. This technology was commonly used in libraries and archives for preserving historical documents and records.

Synonyms

document film, film card, microfilm.

Examples of usage

  • The library has a collection of old newspapers on microfiche.
  • He spent hours scanning the microfiche for historical data.
  • The archives provided access to the microfiche for research purposes.

Translations

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Origin of 'microfiche'

The term 'microfiche' comes from the combination of the Greek prefix 'micro-' meaning small and the French word 'fiche' which means 'index card'. The technology was developed in the 1920s and gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s for its efficiency in storing information. It allowed libraries and archival institutions to conserve space while maintaining access to extensive documents. This method of preservation was essential before the advent of digital storage systems, which have since largely replaced physical formats like microfiche. Despite being less common today, microfiche was a revolutionary tool in information storage and retrieval, particularly for historical research.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,829, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.