释义 |
hinge I. \ˈhinj\ noun (-s) Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English heng, heeng, hyng; akin to Middle Dutch henge, hengene hook, handle, Middle Low German henge hinge; derivatives from the root of English hang 1. a. : a jointed or flexible device on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns comprising typically a pair of metal leaves joined through the knuckles by a pin — see butt hinge, cleaning hinge, h hinge, hook-and-eye hinge, piano hinge b. : a flexible ligamentous joint (as of a bivalve shell) c. (1) : a paper or muslin joint, stub, or guard in a bound book that strengthens or permits the free flexing of a section, insert leaf, or map (2) : joint I 2d d. : a small piece of thin gummed paper used in fastening or stamp in an album or on a sheet — called also mount 2. obsolete a. : the earth's axis b. : a cardinal point of the compass 3. : something on which a development turns or depends : a basic issue or determining factor : turning point 4. : a strategic point or line in the battle position of an army 5. : hinge line II. verb (-ed/-ing/-s) transitive verb 1. : to attach by or furnish with hinges 2. : to mount (a stamp) with a hinge : fasten a hinge to (a stamp) intransitive verb : to be contingent or dependent on a single cardinal point or sole decisive consideration — used with on or upon < a decision on which success or irrevocable failure hinged — Bernard De Voto > Synonyms: see depend |