retrieval

noun

re·triev·al | \ ri-ˈtrē-vəl

Definition of retrieval

1 : an act or process of retrieving

2 : possibility of being retrieved or of recovering beyond retrieval

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about retrieval

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Examples of retrieval in a Sentence

the retrieval of stolen goods The system allows quick storage and retrieval of data.

Recent Examples on the Web

This typically happens three to five days following egg retrieval and fertilization, via a catheter inserted into the uterus. — Jennifer Gerson, Marie Claire, "Health & Fitness," 1 Oct. 2018 This pattern is called retrieval-induced forgetting. — Sue Shellenbarger, WSJ, "Why Forgetfulness Might Actually Help You," 22 Jan. 2019 After the retrieval, Mehl went through four rounds of chemotherapy, daily bouts of radiation, and a lumpectomy. — Kayla Webley Adler, Marie Claire, "When Your Dreams of Motherhood Are Destroyed," 1 Oct. 2018 The actual biological work will take place mostly through sample retrieval. — John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, "NASA Is Launching a Submarine to the Seafloor," 13 Aug. 2018 As Henry Ford used the new imaging technology, the number of clot-retrieval cases grew, and the two thrombectomy-capable doctors were soon overwhelmed with cases. — Thomas M. Burton, WSJ, "Hospitals Rush to Offer New Stroke Treatment," 26 Dec. 2018 This will be a geologic treasure hunt as the rover scouts around for rocks that have signs of microbial life and them stash them for a future retrieval mission, though that mission remains currently unfunded. — Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "What Human Beings Can Teach Aliens About Probing the Solar System," 5 Dec. 2018 Memories aren’t computer files with exacting recall and retrieval functions. — Richard B. Mckenzie, WSJ, "A Stumble Down Memory Lane," 24 Sep. 2018 In prospective memory that aspect of explicitly prompting memory retrieval is missing, because in everyday life no one else is usually there in real time to remind us to retrieve our intentions. — Nicola Ballhausen, Scientific American, "Foresee and Forget: How to Remember the Future," 7 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retrieval.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.