noun
purchase
A firm hold that enables effective force to be applied.
The rough soles give her purchase on the slippery rocks.
Etymology
Purchase originally concerned obtaining something through effort. Its mechanical sense names the hold or advantage through which applied force achieves movement.
More examples
- He finds purchase in a narrow crack and pulls himself up.
- The tires spin in the mud without gaining purchase.
- A longer crowbar gives us better purchase on the heavy lid.
Forms
purchase · purchases