paperclip

Everyday

1. A small piece of bent wire used to hold sheets of paper together. tree →
2. (computers) The small clip symbol that means "attach a file", for example in an email. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday school life paperclips hold worksheets together. In science lessons they are used in magnet tests (a paperclip is attracted to a magnet because it is made of steel) and in circuits as simple switches. In maths they are used for measuring ("the pencil is 4 paperclips long") and for spinners. Phrase: clip together with a paperclip.

Examples

• Put a paperclip on your homework sheets. tree →
• The magnet picked up ten paperclips. tree →
• My pencil is five paperclips long. tree →
• She bent a paperclip into a heart shape. tree →
• Click the paperclip to attach a photo to the email. tree →
• We made a switch for our circuit with a paperclip. tree →

Note

Also written "paper clip" (two words). Countable: a paperclip, paperclips. Paperclips are attracted to magnets because they are steel (contains iron); plastic-coated ones still are. When measuring with paperclips, use the same size each time or the answer will not be fair.