<protocol, messaging> (IMAP) A protocol allowing a client to access and manipulate electronic mail messages on a server. It permits manipulation of remote message folders (mailboxes), in a way that is functionally equivalent to local mailboxes.
IMAP includes operations for creating, deleting, and renaming mailboxes; checking for new messages; permanently removing messages; searching; and selective fetching of message attributes, texts, and portions thereof. It does not specify a means of posting mail; this function is handled by a mail transfer protocol such as SMTP.
Latest version: 4.
See RFC 2060, RFC 2061, and others.
Compare: POP.
(1999-03-14)
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Nearby terms: Internet Group Management Protocol « Internet Information Server « Internet Inter-ORB Protocol « Internet Message Access Protocol » Internet Monthly Report » Internet Network Information Center » internet number
