defragment

[ dee-frag-muhnt, -ment ]

verb (used with object)

, Computers.

1. to reorganize files on (a hard disk drive ) so that the parts of each file are stored in contiguous sectors on the disk, thereby improving computer performance and maximizing disk space.

defragment

/ dĭ-frăg′mənt /

1. To reorganize the way information is stored on a computer disk so that all of the information belonging to a file is stored in a single, contiguous area the disk.

Other Words From

• de·frag·men·ta·tion noun
• de·frag·ment·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of defragment¹

First recorded in 1980–85; de- + fragment

Example Sentences

You can find the option to defragment your disk under Administrative Tools.

From Time