In the world of outdoor activities, rock climbing, and hiking, you might have come across the term “biner” or “carabiner.” These words are often used interchangeably and refer to a vital piece of equipment used for securing ropes, harnesses, and other gear. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, and associations of biner.
Definitions
A biner, short for carabiner, is a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used for securing ropes, harnesses, and other gear used in outdoor activities. It is an essential piece of equipment used by climbers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts to secure themselves and their gear to a fixed point.
Origin
The word “carabiner” originated from the German word “karabinerhaken,” which means “hook for a carbine.” It was initially used by the military to secure weapons, but it was later adopted by climbers and hikers for securing ropes and other gear.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines biner as “a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used to quickly and reversibly connect components, especially in safety-critical systems.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used for attaching ropes, chains, or other equipment to a fixed point.”
Associations
Biner is primarily associated with outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, and mountaineering. It is an essential piece of equipment used by climbers to secure themselves and their gear to a fixed point. Biners are also used in rescue operations, industrial settings, and other safety-critical systems.
Synonyms
The synonyms of biner include carabiner, snap hook, karabiner, and quickdraw.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms of biner as it is a specific piece of equipment with no opposite.
The same root words
The word “carabiner” has its roots in the German word “karabinerhaken,” which means “hook for a carbine.” The word “carbine” refers to a type of gun used by soldiers.
Example Sentences
- I always make sure to double-check my biners before I start climbing.
- The rescue team used biners to secure the injured hiker to the stretcher.
- The guide showed us how to properly use a biner to secure our harnesses.
- I lost my biner on the last climb, so I had to buy a new one at the gear shop.
- The industrial workers used biners to secure themselves to the scaffolding.