Circlip

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈsɝklɪp/

Definitions

1. A circular metal ring used to hold components onto a shaft or inside a bore by fitting into a groove
2. A thin, round clip made of wire that fits into a machined groove to prevent axial movement of parts
3. A shaped ring that snaps into place around a shaft or within a hole to secure components from slipping

Etymology: A circlip is a blend of "circle" and "clip," and the name describes its shape and its job at once. The part is a ring of spring steel, usually with a gap or pair of holes so it can be opened with pliers, and it snaps into a groove cut into a shaft or a bore to hold parts in place. Its round form gives the "circle" and its gripping action gives the "clip." The sense of the word is therefore a literal description of a physical object rather than a figurative extension. Engineers needed a short name for a retaining ring that worked by springing into a groove, and the blend of two plain English words did the job without any borrowed or classical material behind it.

Synonyms: snap ring