noun / verb
tether
TETH-er/tˈɛðɝ/
A connection that holds something in place or limits its movement, or to secure something with one.
The rope tether secures the rowboat to the dock cleat.
Etymology
Middle English teder named a rope fastening an animal to a fixed point. The selected meaning preserves that restraining function while covering chains and things other than animals.
In context
a space tether, you know, like a the idea of a rope that goes from the earth into orbit
More examples
- We tether the boat to a sturdy dock.
- The astronaut checks her tether before leaving the spacecraft.
- Debt tethers him to a job he dislikes.
Forms
tether · tethers · tethered · tethering