staple
Translation
staple, basic food, main product
Examples
I need more staples for the stapler.
I need more staples for the stapler.
Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries.
Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries.
Grammar Patterns
((noun)) a U-shaped metal fastener. I need more staples for the stapler.
((noun)) a main or important element of something. Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (fastener) clip, pin; (main product) essential, basic, main
Etymology
From Old English 'stapol' meaning 'post, pillar'. The sense of 'principal commodity' comes from markets where goods were weighed at a royal pillar. The fastener sense is from the U-shaped metal bar.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'stable' diet consists of 'staple' foods. Or a stapler 'stably' holds papers together.