figure eight

noun

a figure or form composed of two loops formed by a continuous line crossing itself, as in the figure 8, especially as traced on ice in figure skating.
Also called figure of eight.

Origin of figure eight

First recorded in 1595–1605

Words nearby figure eight

figuration, figurative, figurative language, figure, figure and ground, figure eight, figure eight suture, figure in, figure of eight, figure of merit, figure of speech

Definition for figure eight (2 of 2)

figure of eight

noun

figure eight.
a knot resembling the figure 8.

Origin of figure of eight

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example sentences from the Web for figure eight

British Dictionary definitions for figure eight

figure of eight

figure eight

noun

an outline of the number 8 traced on ice by a skater
a flight manoeuvre by an aircraft outlining a figure 8
  1. a knot in the shape of a figure 8 made to prevent the unreeving of a rope
  2. a climber's knot in the shape of a figure 8 made with a doubled rope to provide a secure loop
  3. an angler's knot sometimes used to attach a fly to a leader or dropper