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zip

(zĭp)

1. A brief sharp hissing sound.

2. Energy; vim: I just don't have any zip today.

3. A zipper.

4. Slang Nothing; nil; zero: He knows zip about the restaurant business.

v. zipped, zip·ping, zips

v.intr.

a. To move with a sharp hissing sound.

b. To move or act with a speed that suggests such a sound: The cars zipped by endlessly.

2. To act or proceed swiftly and energetically: zipped through her homework.

3. To become fastened or unfastened by a zipper: The dress zips up the back.

v.tr.

1. To cause to move with speed and force: zipped the ball to a teammate.

2. To fasten or unfasten with a zipper: zipped up his jacket.

[Imitative.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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