Agraffe (/əˈɡræf/) is a word of French origin used to describe a metal clasp that secures the cork of a champagne bottle. The word is spelled with two "f's", which is indicative of the French language influence. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word shows that it has a schwa sound at the beginning, followed by a stressed 'a' sound. The final syllable features an 'f' sound, followed by the unstressed 'uh' sound. Overall, the spelling of agraffe provides a clear representation of its French roots.
An agraffe refers to a small decorative or functional device used in various industries and fields. Primarily, it is a metal clamp or fastening device employed in the field of bookbinding and printing to hold together loose sheets or signatures of a book or manuscript. Agraffes are typically made of brass, and they consist of two loop-like parts, one of which is affixed to a book cover and the other is attached to a spine or inner flap. By sliding one part into the other, the agraffe provides a secure fastening to keep the pages intact.
In addition, an agraffe can also be a term used in the field of jewelry and fashion. Here, it describes a hook-like or clasp-like object made from precious metals such as gold or silver, often encrusted with gemstones or pearls. Agraffes are commonly used in necklaces, bracelets, or earrings to provide a secure closure or to add an ornamental element to the piece.
Furthermore, agraffes can be found in the realm of music, especially pertaining to piano parts. In piano construction, agraffes refer to U-shaped metal brackets or pins inserted into the instrument's plate, around which the strings are wrapped. These agraffes function to secure and align the strings, ensuring proper tension and vibration when the piano is played.
An appliance for clamping together the edges of a wound, used in lieu of sutures.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "agraffe" comes from French, where it originally referred to a hook or clasp used to fasten armor. It can be traced back to the Old Provençal word "agrafa", meaning "clasp" or "fastening", which ultimately derives from the Latin word "agraffus". In French, the meaning of "agraffe" evolved to refer to a decorative clasp or fastener used in jewelry or clothing, especially to fasten the neck of a dress or a cowl. The term gradually found its way into English, retaining its original sense of a decorative fastening for clothing or ornaments.