Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun Plural form of
holdfast .
Etymologies
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Examples
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When abundant, sea otters prey on, among other things, sea urchins that attach themselves to the "holdfasts" of huge strands of kelp.
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These large seaweeds have strong holdfasts to grip the rock face, but with strong storms even these are ripped from the forest, the seaweeds becoming stranded en masse on the shore.
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Rocketing from the sled, the wranglers alighted on the freighter, anchoring themselves to places on the hull with magclamps and suction holdfasts.
This Time It's Personal.... - Suvudu - Science Fiction and Fantasy Books, Movies, and Games 2008
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They absorb nutrients and light through their blades, cling to the sea floor with holdfasts, and reproduce with spores.
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He will even, at times, assist it; and will do so conscientiously, feeling that, under the gentle pressure supplied by him, and with the drags and holdfasts which he may add, the movement would be slower than it would become if subjected to his proclaimed and absolute opponents.
An Autobiography 2004
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He clung to the holdfasts of the shrouds, and in spite of the heavy seas that dashed against the vessel he maintained his position for a considerable time, evidently listening to some sound that had caught his ear in the midst of the tempest.
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Pointed stakes or "pickets," 4 ft. high, are planted in rows and secured by ordinary wire to holdfasts or pegs in the ground.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 3 "Banks" to "Bassoon" Various
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In its next, or more mature state, it disdains all props, and rising by its own strength above the walls on which it grew, occasionally puts on the appearance of a tree; in this the flower of its age, the branches are smooth, devoid of radicles and holdfasts; and it is loaded with blossoms and with fruit; the lobulations of the leaves are likewise less; this is the _war-poet's ivy_.
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 13, No. 386, August 22, 1829 Various
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The same plant, when more advanced, quits the ground, and climbs on walls and trees, its rootlets becoming holdfasts only; its leaves are generally three or five lobed, and it is still barren; this is the _greater barren ivy_.
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 13, No. 386, August 22, 1829 Various
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A table of this type is fastened to the wall with two iron holdfasts which engage the ends of the table.
Woodwork Joints How they are Set Out, How Made and Where Used. William Fairham
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