Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific type of knot that is shaped like the numeral "8". It is tied in the end of a rope that has been passed through a hole, pulley, or other opening. Its primary function is to act as a stopper, preventing the rope from pulling completely through the opening and coming loose.

Usage

• The figure of eight is a fundamental knot in sailing, climbing, and caving.
• It is known for being strong, secure, and relatively easy to untie after being under load, unlike some other simple stopper knots.
• The knot is tied by forming a loop, then passing the free end of the rope around and back through the loop, creating the distinctive "8" shape.

Examples

• "Before rappelling, always check that you have tied a secure figure of eight on your harness."
• "The sailor tied a quick figure of eight in the line to stop it from running through the cleat."
• "This knot is called a figure of eight because of its obvious shape."

Advanced Usage

• "Figure-eight knot": A common alternative name for the same knot.
• "Follow-through figure of eight" or "Figure-eight follow-through": A critical variation used in climbing to tie the rope directly to a climber's harness. This involves tying a standard figure of eight with a loop, then "following through" with the rope's end along the original knot's path to secure it.
• "Figure of eight on a bight": Another common variation where the knot is tied in the middle of a rope (not the end) to create a secure, non-slip loop.

Variants and Related Words

• Stopper knot (n): A general term for any knot tied in the end of a rope to prevent it from slipping through a hole or retaining device. The figure of eight is one type of stopper knot.
• Figure-eight (adj): Used to describe a path or motion that traces the shape of an "8", e.g., "The ice skater performed a perfect figure-eight."

Synonyms

• Flemish knot: A less common synonym for the figure of eight knot.
• Stopper knot (general category).

Related Phrases

• To tie a figure of eight: The action of creating this knot.
  • Example: "The first thing you learn in the course is how to tie a figure of eight."

Noun

1. a knot having the shape of the numeral 8; tied in a rope that has been passed through a hole or pulley and that prevents the rope from coming loose