FAT

Microsoft disk organization

FAT is File Allocation Table, a file system developed for early personal computers that organizes how data is stored on disks.

Though largely superseded by newer systems, FAT remains common on USB drives and memory cards for cross-platform compatibility: Format the drive as FAT32. (Lowercase fat is body tissue or an adjective meaning plump.)

filesystem

FAT32

Older disk organization scheme

exFATPortable drive filesystem standard
NTFSMicrosoft's proprietary filesystem
filesystemData storage organization scheme

allocation · table · cluster · sector · partition · format · USB · flash · drive · storage

Categories

DOS ComputingMS-DOS, DOS, DOS prompt, command line, CONFIG.SYS
filesystemsfilesystem, directories, FAT32, folders, filename

Opposites

body size/weight

FATthin

Small in diameter

skinny · slim · slender · lean · gaunt

thickness/width

FATthin

Small in diameter

narrow · slim · slender · skinny · fine

quantity/abundance

FATlean

Lacking fat; incline

meager · thin · meagre · slim · scanty

Phrases

fat chanceSarcastic denial of possibility
body fatLipid tissue stores
baby fatInfant's natural plumpness
fat removalExcising adipose deposits
low fatMinimal lipid content
fatten upIncrease body mass

Family

fatty, fats, fatness, fatten, fatter, fattening, fattest, fattened, fathead

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G