hairpin

See also: hair-pin and hair pin

English
U-shaped hairpin (1)

Alternative forms

Etymology

From hair +‎ pin, 1788 (as hair pin). Adjective sense 1906 in hairpin turn etc.[1]

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈhɛə.pɪn/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈhɛɚ.pɪn/
    • Audio (US)(file)

Noun

hairpin (plural hairpins)

  1. A pin or fastener for the hair.
  2. (biology) A kind of ribozyme; hairpin ribozyme.
  3. (chiefly attributive) A very tight bend in a road; a hairpin bend.
    • 2009, Bob Sehlinger, Grant Rafter, Beyond Disney, page 280:
      The variety of angles in the course, from slow bends to hairpins, will both test your skill as a driver and allow you the opportunity to pass other carts.
  4. (music) An elongated horizontal v-shaped sign placed underneath a staff to indicate a crescendo or decrescendo.

Derived terms

Descendants
  • → Japanese: ヘアピン

Translations
tight bend — see hairpin bend

See also

References
  1. Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “hairpin”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
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