flip-flop
Pronunciation: (flip'flop"), [key]
— n., adv., v., -flopped, -flop•ping.
—n.
- a sudden or unexpected reversal, as of direction, belief, attitude, or policy.
- a backward somersault.
- Also calledan electronic circuit having two stable conditions, each one corresponding to one of two alternative input signals.
- any of several similar devices having two alternative states, the change of state being caused by some input signal or by some change of input.
- the sound and motion of something flapping, as a wind-blown shutter; a banging to and fro.
- any backless, usually open-toed flat shoe or slipper.
- a flat, backless rubber sandal, usually secured on the foot by a thong between the first two toes, as for use at a beach, swimming pool, etc. Cf. thong, zori.
- (in advertising) a display or presentation, usually on an easel, consisting of a series of pages hinged at the top and flipped over in sequence.
—adv.
- with repeated sounds and motions, as of something flapping.
—v.i.
- to make a sudden or unexpected reversal, as of direction, belief, attitude, or policy: The opposition claimed that the President had flip-flopped on certain issues.
- to execute a backward somersault.
- to flap; bang to and fro: The door flip-flopped in the high wind.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.