<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.
Current version: 4.
See RFC 2060, RFC 2061, and others.
Compare: POP.
(1999-03-14)
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
