Showing results for information retrieval. Search instead for information+retrieval.

Synonyms

information retrieval

American

noun

the systematic storage and recovery of data, as from a file, card catalog, or the memory bank of a computer. IR

information retrieval British

noun

computing the process of recovering specific information from stored data

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of information retrieval

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It could also potentially work for information retrieval — where facts can be validated to ensure they are correct.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 20, 2023

A key issue is that those who co-operate with a new information retrieval body can be granted immunity from prosecution.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2023

The site tracks the most-discussed papers, top emerging topics and trending quotes from news sources, including National Public Radio and FOXnews.com, using neural networks and old-school information retrieval.

From Nature • Jun. 8, 2020

A 2019 meta-analysis of information retrieval algorithms used in search engines concluded the “high-water mark … was actually set in 2009.”

From Science Magazine • May 27, 2020

Implementation of the Z39.50 protocol for information retrieval would make such access practical and feasible.

From Library of Congress Workshop on Etexts by Library of Congress

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023