file vs record

file

noun
  • An aggregation of data on a storage device, identified by a name. 

  • A column of people one behind another, whether "single file" or in a grid pattern. 

  • A collection of papers collated and archived together. 

  • one of the eight vertical lines of squares on a chessboard (i.e., those identified by a letter). 

  • A hand tool consisting of a handle to which a block of coarse metal is attached, and used for removing sharp edges or for cutting, especially through metal. 

  • A row of modular kitchen units and a countertop, consisting of cabinets and appliances below (dishwasher) and next to (stove/cooker) a countertop. 

  • The primary item on the menu bar, containing commands such as open, save, print, etc. 

  • Course of thought; thread of narration. 

  • A roll or list. 

  • A small detachment of soldiers. 

verb
  • To submit a formal request to some office. 

  • To corrupt. 

  • To commit (official papers) to some office. 

  • To store a file (aggregation of data) on a storage medium such as a disc or another computer. 

  • To place in an archive in a logical place and order. 

  • To smooth, grind, or cut with a file. 

  • To move in a file. 

  • To submit (a story) to a newspaper or similar publication. 

record

noun
  • A set of data relating to a single individual or item. 

  • The most extreme known value of some variable, particularly that of an achievement in competitive events. 

  • An item of information put into a temporary or permanent physical medium. 

  • A data structure similar to a struct, in some programming languages such as C and Java based on classes and designed for storing immutable data. 

  • Any instance of a physical medium on which information was put for the purpose of preserving it and making it available for future reference. 

adj
  • Enough to break previous records and set a new one; world-class; extreme. 

verb
  • To fix in a medium, usually in a tangible medium. 

  • To give legal status to by making an official public record. 

  • To make a record of information. 

  • To make an audio or video recording of. 

  • To make an audio, video, or multimedia recording. 

How often have the words file and record occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )