clip
UK: klɪp | US: klɪp
n. a small device used to hold objects together
n. a short section extracted from a larger work (e.g., video or audio)
vt. to cut or trim with scissors or shears
vt. to fasten with a clip
The word "clip" has dual meanings rooted in Old English. The verb form clyppan originally meant "to embrace or fasten," later evolving to include "to cut" (likely influenced by Scandinavian languages). This semantic split reflects the word's dual function—holding things together (fastening) or cutting them apart (trimming). The noun forms (e.g., hair clip, video clip) derive from these actions.
She used a clip to secure her hair.
The editor created a short clip from the interview.
Please clip the coupons from the newspaper.
He clipped the microphone to his shirt.
Watch this funny clip from the movie.