guide plate
- noun
- Jargon
- The climber threaded the rope through the guide plate before beginning the ascent.
Examples
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Many instructors recommend using a guide plate for added safety during belaying.
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Always make sure the carabiner is securely attached to the guide plate before allowing anyone to climb.
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The guide plate helps climbers secure their ropes.
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Many climbers prefer using a guide plate for safety.
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Always make sure the carabiner is securely attached to the guide plate before allowing anyone to climb.
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Many instructors recommend using a guide plate for added safety during belaying.
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The climber threaded the rope through the guide plate before beginning the ascent.
Synonyms
A small metal plate climbers use to hold and slow a rope when lowering or belaying someone
A climbing tool that automatically locks and stops the rope if a climber falls
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'guide' (something that positions or channels) combined with 'plate' (a flat panel) yields a plate that guides — a flat device used to guide a rope. While some technical details (slot, carabiner locking) are specialized, a B1 learner who knows both words can infer the general function from the constituents.
Etymology
Guide plate is a flat metal plate with a long slot that the rope runs through, and the guide part of the name shows it directs and holds the rope while a metal clip can lock the device. That's why the name means it 'controls the rope' and helps 'keep the climber safe'.