file server

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

file′ serv′er, 

1. Computing a computer that makes files available to workstations on a network.

Cf. server .
file′ serv′er, 

1. Computing a computer that makes files available to workstations on a network.

Cf. server (in this section).

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

file server noun

1. the central unit of a local area network that controls its operation and provides access to separately stored data files

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

serv•er  (sûr′vər), n. 

1. a person who serves.
2. something that serves or is used in serving, as a salver.
3. a broad fork, spoon, or spatula for dishing out and serving individual portions of food, as vegetables, cake, or pie.
4. Religion [Eccles.] an attendant on the priest at Mass, who arranges the altar, makes the responses, etc.
5. (in tennis, badminton, handball, etc.) the player who puts the ball or shuttlecock in play.
6. Computing a computer that makes services, as access to data files, programs, and peripheral devices, available to workstations on a network. Cf. client, file server (in the Addenda).

• 1350–1400; Middle English; see serve, -er¹

server, +n. 

1. Computing a computer that makes services, as access to data files, programs, and peripheral devices, available to workstations on a network. Cf. client, file server (in this section).