skyhook
UK[ˈskaɪhʊk]US[ˈskaɪhʊk]
n
a hypothetical device for suspending an object from a fixed point in the sky using a cable.
n
a basketball move where a player jumps and, with an arcing motion, hooks the ball over the rim into the basket.
n
a hook used in mountaineering or construction that is secured above the user.
Morpheme Breakdown
sky
hook
sky
the upper atmosphere
hook
a curved piece of metal
Etymology
the compound word 'skyhook' is a modern english invention, combining two ancient germanic elements. 'sky' derives from old norse 'ský', which originally meant 'cloud' and evolved in middle english to denote the celestial vault. 'hook' comes from the old english 'hōc', referring to a bent or angled implement for catching or holding. the term's logic is transparently literal, imagining a hook anchored in the sky. its various specialized meanings, from a speculative engineering concept to a basketball maneuver, all extend from this core image of a hook suspended from or reaching into the heavens.
Analysis
Structure: sky (the upper atmosphere) + hook (a curved piece of metal)
sky (origin: old norse 'ský', meaning cloud; functional role: noun, specifying location) + hook (origin: old english 'hōc', meaning a bent piece of metal; functional role: noun, specifying the object)
Examples
the science fiction novel described a space elevator, essentially a sophisticated skyhook, tethering earth to a satellite.
he scored the winning points with an incredible skyhook, a shot made famous by kareem abdul-jabbar.
the climber used a skyhook to gain a purchase on a tiny rock ledge.