retrieval (C1)

noun

Pronunciation: /rɪˈtriːvəl/

Definition

The act of getting something back or finding something that was lost or stored away.

Examples

• The retrieval of the stolen artwork was a major police success.

• Data retrieval from the damaged hard drive proved difficult.

• The patient's successful retrieval from the coma was a relief to his family.

How to Use retrieval

retrieval of (prepositional phrase)

Used to specify what is being retrieved. — "The retrieval of the lost keys took less than an hour."

data retrieval (collocation)

The process of accessing and obtaining data, typically from a computer system or database. — "We need to improve our data retrieval speed."

memory retrieval (collocation)

The process of recalling information from one's memory. — "The eyewitness's memory retrieval was aided by a photo lineup."

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