n.
Pronunciation: ' st ā -p ə l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English stapel post, staple, from Old English stapol post; akin to Middle Dutch stapel step, heap, emporium, Old English steppan to step
Date: 13th century
: a usually U-shaped fastener: as a : a metal loop both ends of which are driven into a surface to hold the hook, hasp, or bolt of a lock, secure a rope, or fix a wire in place b : a small wire both ends of which are driven through layers of thin and easily penetrable material (as paper) and usually clinched to hold the layers together c : a usually metal surgical fastener used to hold layers of tissue together (as in the closure of an incision)