Web, domains and email
IMAP
Abbreviation for Internet Message Access Protocol
In short and in plain language
IMAP is a method mail programs use to fetch mail from the server.
The mail stays on the server.
So the mailbox and folders look the same everywhere. That goes for computer, phone and webmail.
Definition
IMAP is a method email programs use to retrieve messages from the server without deleting them there. This keeps the mailbox and folders the same on computer, smartphone and webmail.