hinge
hinge / hinj/ •
n. a movable joint or mechanism on which a door, gate, or lid swings as it opens and closes, or that connects linked objects. ∎ Biol. a natural joint that performs a similar function, for example that of a bivalve shell. ∎ a central point or principle on which everything depends: this period can be called the hinge of history. ∎ a small piece of gummed transparent paper used to affix a stamp to a page in an album.•
v. (hing·ing) [tr.] (usu. be hinged) attach or join with or as if with a hinge: the ironing board was set into the wall and hinged at the bottom | [as adj.] (hinged) a pocket watch with a hinged lid. ∎ [intr.] (of a door or part of a structure) hang and turn on a hinge: the skull's jaw hinged down. ∎ [intr.] (hinge on) depend entirely on: the future of the industry could hinge on the outcome of next month's election.DERIVATIVES: hinge·less adj.
hinge