ar·chive 
(ärkīv′)
(ärkīv′)n.
1. often archives A place or collection containing records, documents, or other materials of historical interest: old land deeds in the municipal archives.
2. Computers
a. A long-term storage area, often on magnetic tape, for backup copies of files or for files that are no longer in active use.
b. A file containing one or more files in compressed format for more efficient storage and transfer.
3. A repository for stored memories or information: the archive of the mind.
tr.v. ar·chived, ar·chiv·ing, ar·chives
1. To place or store in an archive.
2. Computers To copy or compress (a file) into an archive.
[From French archives, from Latin archīva, from Greek arkheia, pl. of arkheion, town hall, from arkhē, government, from arkhein, to rule.]