clip lead
- noun
- UK
:
cable de clip
- He used a clip lead to connect the battery to the light bulb for the circuit.
Examples
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To test the wires, she attached a clip lead to each end of the resistor.
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The teacher demonstrated how to make a circuit using a clip lead.
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Excuse me, I have lots of clip leads and there are different grades.
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So let's get a pair of clip leads on this equation.
Synonyms
12
6.7
A short wire used to connect electrical parts
Short wire with clips at each end that makes a temporary electrical connection between two points
How Secure
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly derivable from the parts: 'lead' is a short conductor wire and 'clip' is a small fastener, so a 'clip lead' is naturally interpreted as a wire fitted with clips. This noun–noun compounding follows common English composition patterns and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents and basic technical vocabulary.
Etymology
Clip lead is named for how it looks: a short lead with metal clips at each end that 'clip' onto wires or battery posts. That's why the name shows it is a small wire used to make a quick, 'temporary' electrical connection.