zip-lock
Meaning
A type of seal on a plastic bag, formed by two interlocking ridges that can be opened and closed by pulling a slider along them.
A plastic bag or other container featuring such a seal.
Structure
Usage
Make sure the zip-lock on the freezer bag is completely sealed.
She stored the leftover vegetables in a zip-lock container.
The new sandwich bags feature a stronger, double-sealed zip-lock.
Etymology
The term 'zip-lock' is a modern compound, combining two distinct concepts of securing objects. 'Zip' is an onomatopoeic word from the late 19th century, imitating the sound of a rapidly moving object, which became the name for the fastening device. 'Lock' has ancient Germanic roots, from Old English loc, meaning a fastening or an enclosed place. The fusion of these morphemes in the mid-20th century created a highly descriptive term for a resealable fastener. It logically marries the swift, sliding action of a 'zip' with the securing function of a 'lock' to precisely name a convenient closure mechanism for storage bags.
Analysis
zip: Origin: Imitative (onomatopoeic), from the sound of a fast-moving object. Functional role: Denotes a fastening device that makes a sharp, quick sound when opened or closed. lock: Origin: Old English loc (fastening, enclosure). Functional role: Denotes a mechanism for fastening or securing something.