I. ˈhinj noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English heng, heeng, hyng; akin to Middle Dutch henge, hengene hook, handle, Middle Low German henge hinge; derivatives from the root of English hang
1.
a. : a jointed or flexible device on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns comprising typically a pair of metal leaves joined through the knuckles by a pin — see butt hinge , cleaning hinge , h hinge , hook-and-eye hinge , piano hinge
b. : a flexible ligamentous joint (as of a bivalve shell)
c.
(1) : a paper or muslin joint, stub, or guard in a bound book that strengthens or permits the free flexing of a section, insert leaf, or map
(2) : joint I 2d
d. : a small piece of thin gummed paper used in fastening or stamp in an album or on a sheet — called also mount
2. obsolete
a. : the earth's axis
b. : a cardinal point of the compass
3. : something on which a development turns or depends : a basic issue or determining factor : turning point
4. : a strategic point or line in the battle position of an army
5. : hinge line
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
1. : to attach by or furnish with hinges
2. : to mount (a stamp) with a hinge : fasten a hinge to (a stamp)
intransitive verb
: to be contingent or dependent on a single cardinal point or sole decisive consideration — used with on or upon
a decision on which success or irrevocable failure hinged — Bernard De Voto
Synonyms: see depend