noun / verb

record

REK-erd/ˈrekərd/

Information preserved for later reference.

The stored record preserves information about the tree's planting alongside an old photograph.

A carefully stored paper record in a plain archival folder beside a small photograph of the same tree being planted years earlier; sparse date digits2001 on paper are only functional text, no prose; focus preserved account, not achievement or vinyl.

Etymology

With re- probably suggesting restoration, the image is bringing something back to the heart, regarded as memory's seat. Remembering developed into preserving written evidence, including the documented achievements called records.

In context

1000frolly PhD11:56

what I want to present today today is the uh is global temperature in CO2 uh the geological record so we'll go back through time

4 Professors Explain the Science of Climate Change

More examples

Old census records help us trace our family history.
She records each payment in a spreadsheet.
The secretary recorded the committee's decision in the minutes.

Forms

record · records · recorded · recording

recorder noun — A person or device that preserves information.

Similar words

account: Emphasizes a description of events, not necessarily preserved information.
log: Usually tracks activities or events in chronological order.
document: Usually denotes a specific written item containing information.