file descriptor

noun

A process-unique identifier for a file or other input/output resource, such as a pipe or network socket.

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Meanings

nounfile descriptor (plural file descriptors)

plural file descriptors

  1. computingA process-unique identifier for a file or other input/output resource, such as a pipe or network socket.
Cite this entry
APA

file descriptor. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/file%20descriptor

MLA

“file descriptor.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/file%20descriptor. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “file descriptor,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/file%20descriptor.

Source: file descriptor on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.