Collins English-English Dictionary

staple ['steɪp^əl]

1. 1. n a short length of thin wire bent into a square U-shape, used to fasten papers, cloth, etc

2. 2. n a short length of stiff wire formed into a U-shape with pointed ends, used for holding a hasp to a post, securing electric cables, etc

3. 3. vt. [tr] to secure (papers, wire, etc) with a staple or staples

4. 4. vt. [Etymology] Old English stapol prop, of Germanic origin; related to Middle Dutch stapel step, Old High German staffal

staple ['steɪp^əl]

1. 1. adj of prime importance; principal

   staple foods

2. 2. adj (of a commodity) forming a predominant element in the product, consumption, or trade of a nation, region, etc

3. 3. n a staple commodity

4. 4. n a main constituent; integral part

5. 5. n [chiefly US and Canadian] a principal raw material produced or grown in a region

6. 6. n the fibre of wool, cotton, etc, graded as to length and fineness

7. 7. n (in medieval Europe) a town appointed to be the exclusive market for one or more major exports of the land

8. 8. vt. [tr] to arrange or sort (wool, cotton, etc) according to length and fineness

9. 9. vt. [Etymology] C15: from Middle Dutch stapel warehouse; see staple¹