flip-flop Definition

flip-flop
noun

1. colloq
A rubber or plastic sandal consisting of a sole held on to the foot by a thong that separates the big toe from the other toes.
2. elec, computing.
An electronic circuit that remains in one of two stable states until it receives a suitable electric pulse, which causes it to switch to the other state, widely used to store data in the form of binary digits in the integrated circuits of computers. Also called bistable.
3. A kind of backwards somersault in which the performer jumps over onto their hands and then over onto their feet, often repeatedly.

Form: flip-flap

verb, chiefly intr

1. To move with a flapping sound.
(chiefly US)
2. politics.
To reverse a policy; to do a U-turn.

Etymology: 1970s as noun 1; 1930s as noun 2; 16c: reduplication of flip indicating the repetition of the movement.