staple
- staple
- I UK [ˈsteɪp(ə)l] / US
noun countable]
Word forms "staple":
singular staple
plural staples
*
1)
a) a small piece of wire that you press through pieces of paper with a small object called a stapler so that the ends of the wire bend over and fasten the pieces of paper together
b) a small piece of metal shaped like a U with pointed ends that you force into a surface to hold something in place
2)
a) an important product, especially a food, that people eat or use regularly
The shops are running out of staples such as rice and cooking oil.
b) a regular and important part or feature of something
staple of:
The black dress was an enduring staple of Diana's wardrobe.
II UK [ˈsteɪp(ə)l] / US
adjective
used for describing the products, especially foods, that are the most basic and important for a particular place or group of people
Potatoes are a staple element of our diet.
III UK [ˈsteɪp(ə)l] / US
verb transitive]
Word forms "staple":
present tense
I/you/we/they staple
he/she/it staples
present participle stapling
past tense stapled
past participle stapled
to fasten pieces of paper together with a staple
English dictionary.
2014.
:
Look at other dictionaries:
Staple — may mean:*Staple (fastener), a formed metal fastener used to secure sheets of material or wires, so they will not fall apart of each other. *Staple food, a foodstuff that forms the basic constituent of a diet. It is a standard commodity rather… … Wikipedia
Staple — Sta ple (st[=a] p l), n. [AS. stapul, stapol, stapel, a step, a prop, post, table, fr. stapan to step, go, raise; akin to D. stapel a pile, stocks, emporium, G. stapela heap, mart, stake, staffel step of a ladder, Sw. stapel, Dan. stabel, and E.… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
staple — Ⅰ. staple [1] ► NOUN 1) a small flattened U shaped piece of wire used to fasten papers together. 2) a small U shaped metal bar with pointed ends for driving into wood to hold things in place. ► VERB ▪ secure with a staple or staples. ORIGIN Old… … English terms dictionary
staple — sta ple, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {stapled} ( p ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {stapling}.] 1. To sort according to its staple; as, to staple cotton. [1913 Webster] 2. To fasten together with a staple[9] or staples; as, to staple a check to a letter. [PJC] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Staple — Sta ple, a. 1. Pertaining to, or being a market or staple for, commodities; as, a staple town. [R.] [1913 Webster] 2. Established in commerce; occupying the markets; settled; as, a staple trade. Dryden. [1913 Webster] 3. Fit to be sold;… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
STAPLE! — The Independent Media Expo is an annual convention in Austin, Texas, United States, for alternative comics, minicomics, webcomics, zines, underground comics, and graphic arts. Chris Nicholas founded the conference as a gathering place for… … Wikipedia
staple — staple1 [stā′pəl] n. [ME stapel < OFr estaple < MDu stapel, mart, emporium, post, orig. support, akin to STAPLE2] 1. the chief commodity, or any of the most important commodities, made, grown, or sold in a particular place, region, country … English World dictionary
Staple — Stapel País … Wikipedia Español
staple — index item, stock in trade Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 … Law dictionary
staple n — staple diet … English expressions
staple — [adj] necessary, basic chief, essential, fundamental, important, in demand, key, main, popular, predominant, primary, principal, standard; concept 546 Ant. auxiliary, extra, minor, secondary, unnecessary … New thesaurus
