carabiner

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate, used to connect ropes and gear in climbing, mountaineering, and rescue work

   She clipped the rope into a carabiner attached to the bolt before starting the next pitch.

2. 2
   noun

   a small coupling link of the same shape used for everyday fastening, such as keys, bags, or dog leashes

   He kept his keys on a small carabiner hooked to his belt loop.

Shortened from German Karabinerhaken ("carbine hook"), the spring-gated hook soldiers used to hang a carbine rifle from a belt; from Karabiner ("carbine"). Climbers borrowed the shape in the early 20th century, and the British spelling karabiner is still common.

External links

• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary
• Google Images