hairpin

Etymology

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

noun

  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.
    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. 2009, Bob Sehlinger, Grant Rafter, Beyond Disney, page 280
  4. (music) An elongated horizontal v-shaped sign placed underneath a staff to indicate a crescendo or decrescendo.

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