bobbin
UK[ˈbɒb.ɪn]US[ˈbɑː.bɪn]
n
a small cylinder or cone on which thread, yarn, or wire is wound, used especially in weaving, machine sewing, or lace-making.
n
a small pin or spool around which hair is wound to create curls.
Etymology
the word 'bobbin' entered english in the mid-16th century from french 'bobine', likely of imitative origin. the french term may have evolved from a repetitive sound or motion associated with winding, possibly influenced by the latin 'bombus' meaning a humming or buzzing sound, which is itself from greek 'bombos'. this onomatopoeic origin reflects the whirring or spinning action of the device. over time, the term specialized to refer specifically to the small spool or reel used in textile and thread work, a meaning it retains today.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. it does not contain separable morphemes in its modern english form.
Examples
she replaced the empty bobbin in the sewing machine with a full one.
the lace was made using dozens of bobbins on a special pillow.
in the old factory, the wooden bobbins clattered as the looms operated.