virtualmemoryfile

noun

UK /ˈvɜːtʃuəl ˈmeməri faɪl/

US /ˈvɜːrtʃuəl ˈmeməri faɪl/

A virtual memory file is a special computer file that helps a computer remember things when it runs out of space.

When the computer got slow, it used a virtual memory file to keep working.

SYNONYMS

swap file page file paging file temporary memory file

RELATED WORDS

RAM hard drive operating system memory management paging

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A file stored in a simulated memory space rather than physical memory.

The program saved its data to a virtual memory file to avoid crashes.

3. A disk-based file used by an operating system to extend available memory.

The technician increased the size of the virtual memory file to improve performance.

4. A file that represents memory contents for debugging or analysis.

The developer examined the virtual memory file to find the bug.