staple1
n.
- a small flattened U-shaped piece of wire used to fasten papers together.
- a small U-shaped metal bar with pointed ends for driving into wood to hold electric wires, battens, etc. in place.
v.
secure with a staple or staples.
Etymology
OE stapol, of Gmc origin.
staple2
n.
- a main or important element of something.
- the fibre of cotton or wool considered with regard to its length and fineness.
- historical a centre of trade in a specified commodity.
adj.
main or important.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. estaple ‘market’, from Mid. Low Ger., MDu. stapel ‘pillar, emporium’; rel. to staple1.