Unlatchings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The acts or processes of releasing a latch or unlocking a fastening device to open or unfasten something
2. Instances or events of disengaging a latch mechanism to allow access or separation of two joined parts
3. Actions involving the manipulation or operation of unlatching to free or open objects secured by a catch or bolt mechanism

Etymology: "Unlatchings" is the plural of "unlatching," a noun formed from the verb "unlatch." The verb combines the reversing prefix "un-" with "latch," which in English has meant a bar or lever that fastens a gate or door and is lifted to release it. The noun ending "-ing" turns the action into a thing that can be counted, so each separate release of a latch is one "unlatching." Because the plural form simply counts repeated acts, it is most often used for a series of openings, such as the many unlatchings of a gate over a day. Its history is therefore that of "unlatch" plus the regular plural ending, with nothing more unusual in its construction.

Synonyms: openings, releases, disengagements, unfastenings

Antonyms: latchings, closures, fastenings, lockings