As a noun, a cache is a hidden store of things, or in computing, a special storage area that keeps data ready for quick access. As a verb, it means to hide or store something in such a place.
From French 'cacher' meaning 'to hide,' related to 'cachette' meaning 'hiding place.' It entered English for hidden supplies of food, weapons, or valuables. Computer science borrowed the term to describe hidden, faster storage that keeps frequently used data close at hand.
When you 'clear your cache' in a browser, you’re wiping out a hidden stash of files your computer saved to speed things up. The idea is exactly like a hidden food cache in the wilderness—something stored close and ready for quick use. The silent 'e' and the 'cash' pronunciation often surprise learners because the spelling still shows its French origin.
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