hinge

[ hinj ]

noun

1. a jointed device or flexible piece on which a door, gate, shutter, lid, or other attached part turns, swings, or moves.
2. a natural anatomical joint at which motion occurs around a transverse axis, as that of the knee or a bivalve shell.
3. that on which something is based or depends; pivotal consideration or factor.
4. Also called mount. Philately. a gummed sticker for affixing a stamp to a page of an album, so folded as to form a hinge, allowing the stamp to be raised to reveal the text beneath.

verb (used without object)

, hinged, hing·ing.

1. to be dependent or contingent on, or as if on, a hinge (usually followed by on or upon ):

   Everything hinges on his decision.

   Synonyms: depend, pivot, swing, rest

verb (used with object)

, hinged, hing·ing.

1. to furnish with or attach by a hinge or hinges.
2. to attach as if by a hinge.
3. to make or consider as dependent upon; predicate:

   He hinged his action on future sales.

hinge

/ hɪndʒ /

noun

1. a device for holding together two parts such that one can swing relative to the other, typically having two interlocking metal leaves held by a pin about which they pivot
2. anatomy a type of joint, such as the knee joint, that moves only backwards and forwards; a joint that functions in only one plane Technical nameginglymus
3. a similar structure in invertebrate animals, such as the joint between the two halves of a bivalve shell
4. something on which events, opinions, etc, turn
5. Also calledmount philately a small thin transparent strip of gummed paper for affixing a stamp to a page

verb

1. tr to attach or fit a hinge to (something)
2. intr; usually foll by on or upon to depend (on)
3. intr to hang or turn on or as if on a hinge

Derived Forms

• ˈhingeless, adjective
• hinged, adjective
• ˈhingeˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• hingeless adjective
• hingelike adjective
• re·hinge verb (used with object) rehinged rehinging
• well-hinged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hinge¹

1250–1300; Middle English henge; cognate with Low German heng ( e ), Middle Dutch henge hinge; akin to hang

Word History and Origins

Origin of hinge¹

C13: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch henge; see hang

Example Sentences

As a complex hinge joint, the knee joint is one of the main load-bearing joints of the human body, supporting different movements in daily activities.

From Science Daily

Manufacturing quality control of components, as well, often hinges on extremely small distances that can mean the difference between a perfect part and a tiny defect that could eventually cause a dangerous mechanical failure.

From Science Daily

But now the process had led him here, with all hope of USC ending the season on a high note suddenly hinging on his rocket right arm.

From Los Angeles Times

This hinges on a lack of coverage of the story, with many claiming it disappeared from the news agenda.

From BBC

The future of the seat hinged on a razor thin margin in the days after election day.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• depend
• revolve around