flip-flop (fl
p
fl
p
)
n.
1. The movement or sound of repeated flapping.
2. Informal A reversal, as of a stand or position: a foreign policy flip-flop.
3. A backless, often foam rubber sandal held to the foot at the big toe by means of a thong.
4. A backward somersault or handspring.
5. Electronics An electronic circuit or mechanical device capable of assuming either of two stable states, especially a computer circuit used to store a single bit of information.
v. flip-flopped,
flip-flop·ping,
flip-flops
v.intr.
1. To move back and forth between two conditions or circumstances, sometimes repeatedly: "The weather has flip-flopped between sweltering heat and violent storms" (New York Times).
2. To reverse a stand or position: "With the board having flip-flopped over zoning issues in the last several years, residents are looking to this fall's election for clarity" (Eugene L. Meyer).
3. To execute a backward somersault or handspring.
v.tr. To move from one position to the reverse or opposite: The coach flip-flopped the linemen.
flip-flop
n
1. (Individual Sports & Recreations / Gymnastics) a backward handspring
2. (Electronics) Also called
bistable an electronic device or circuit that can assume either of two stable states by the application of a suitable pulse
3. Informal chiefly US a complete change of opinion, policy, etc.
4. a repeated flapping or banging noise
5. (Clothing & Fashion) Also called (US, Canadian, Austral., and NZ)
thong a rubber-soled sandal attached to the foot by a thong between the big toe and the next toe
vb -flops,
-flopping,
-flopped (intr)1. Informal chiefly US to make a complete change of opinion, policy, etc.
2. to move with repeated flaps