1. n. & v.
--n. a U-shaped metal bar or piece of wire with pointed ends for driving into, securing, or fastening together various materials or for driving through and clenching papers, netting, electric wire, etc.
--v.tr. provide or fasten with a staple.
Phrases and idioms:
staple gun a hand-held device for driving in staples.
Derivatives:
stapler n.
Etymology: OE stapol f. Gmc 2. n., adj., & v.
--n.
1. the principal or an important article of commerce (the staples of British Industry).
2 the chief element or a main component, e.g. of a diet.
3 a raw material.
4 the fibre of cotton or wool etc. as determining its quality (cotton of fine staple).
--adj.
1. main or principal (staple commodities).
2 important as a product or an export.
--v.tr. sort or classify (wool etc.) according to fibre.
Etymology: ME f. OF estaple market f. MLG, MDu. stapel market (as STAPLE(1))