hairpins
/ˈhɛrˌpɪnz/
NOUN
1. Pins or fasteners for the hair
Small pins or fastening devices used to hold hair in place or secure a hairstyle.
1.1. Hair accessories and fasteners
Small accessories used to secure, arrange, or decorate hairstyles.
Synonyms
- bobby pins
- hair clips
- barrettes
Examples
- Hairpins are essential accessories for securing hairstyles in place, especially during formal events.
- She carefully arranged her curls, fastening them with delicate hairpins for an elegant look.
Related Words
- hair clasps
- hair fasteners
- hair accessories
NOUN
2. Hairpin-shaped bends in roads
Very tight bends in roads that turn sharply back in the opposite direction.
2.1. Sharp bends and turns
Tight curves in roads that require a sharp change of direction, often resembling the shape of a hairpin.
Synonyms
- bends
- curves
- turns
- doglegs
- twists
- kinks
Examples
- The mountain road featured several challenging hairpins.
- Drivers must slow down before navigating the steep hairpin bends.
Related Words
- switchbacks
- corners
- road curves
- windings
NOUN
3. Hairpin ribozymes
A type of RNA molecule that can catalyze the cleavage and joining of RNA strands.
3.1. RNA structures and catalytic molecules
Specialized RNA molecules that perform catalytic reactions involving RNA cleavage and ligation.
Synonyms
- hairpin ribozymes
Examples
- Hairpin ribozymes can catalyze specific RNA cleavage reactions.
- Researchers studied hairpins to understand the catalytic activity of RNA molecules.
Related Words
- ribozyme
- catalytic RNA
- RNA enzyme