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flip-flop (flĭpflŏp′)
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Tweet n. 1. The movement or sound of repeated flapping. 2. A reversal, as of a stand or position: a foreign policy flip-flop. 3. A backless, often foam rubber sandal held to the foot at the big toe by means of a thong. 4. A backward somersault or handspring. 5. An electronic circuit or mechanical device capable of assuming either of two stable states, especially a computer circuit used to store a single bit of information. v. flip-flopped, flip-flop·ping, flip-flops v.intr. 1. To move back and forth between two conditions or circumstances, sometimes repeatedly: "The weather has flip-flopped between sweltering heat and violent storms" (New York Times). 2. To reverse a stand or position: "With the board having flip-flopped over zoning issues in the last several years, residents are looking to this fall's election for clarity" (Eugene L. Meyer). 3. To execute a backward somersault or handspring. v.tr. To move from one position to the reverse or opposite: The coach flip-flopped the linemen. flip-flop′per n. |
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