Winzip

/ˈwɪnzɪp/ noun

Definition

A file compression software program for Windows computers. Used to reduce file sizes and bundle multiple files into compressed archives.

Etymology

Combination of 'Windows' (the operating system) and 'zip' (referring to the compression format and speed of operation). Created in 1991 by Nico Mak Computing as one of the first commercial Windows compression utilities.

Kelly Says

WinZip became so synonymous with file compression that 'to zip' entered common usage as a verb meaning to compress files, regardless of the actual software used. The program's shareware distribution model helped establish the 'try before you buy' software culture that dominated the early internet era.

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