slide-fastener
Definition
Noun: A slide-fastener is a device consisting of two rows of interlocking teeth or metal or plastic that can be joined or separated by pulling a sliding tab. It is commonly used to fasten clothing, bags, and other items.
Usage Examples
- (The zipper mechanism failed.)
- (She secured the bag using the zipper.)
- (The zipper on the tent is jammed.)
Advanced Usage
"To operate a slide-fastener": to pull the sliding tab up or down to open or close the fastener.
- He operated the slide-fastener on his suitcase with ease. (He smoothly opened or closed the zipper.)
"Slide-fastener track": the continuous band of teeth that the tab moves along.
- The slide-fastener track was misaligned, causing it to jam. (The row of teeth was out of place.)
Variants and Related Words
Slide-fastener tab (n): the small handle or puller attached to the sliding mechanism.
- The slide-fastener tab broke off, making it hard to close the bag. (The handle detached from the zipper.)
Slide-fastener tape (n): the fabric strips to which the teeth are attached.
- The slide-fastener tape frayed after years of use. (The fabric edges wore out.)
Synonyms
- Zipper: the most common term for a slide-fastener.
- Zip: a shorter, informal synonym (especially in British English).
- Fastener: a general term for any device that joins things together.
Related Idioms
"To zip it": to close or secure something using a slide-fastener, or figuratively, to stop talking.
- She zipped it shut before the rain started. (She closed the slide-fastener.)
- He told his friend to zip it during the lecture. (Figurative: to be quiet.)
"To unzip": to open a slide-fastener.
- She unzipped her coat because it was warm inside. (She opened the zipper.)