staple

Universal Words adjective, noun, verb adjective [onlybeforenoun] forming a basic, large or important part of sth: The staple crop is rice. * Jeans are a staple part of everyone's wardrobe. noun 1 a small piece of wire that is used in a device called a STAPLER and is pushed through pieces of paper and bent over at the ends in order to fasten the pieces of paper together 2 a small piece of metal in the shape of a U that is hit into wooden surfaces using a hammer, used especially for holding electrical wires in place 3 a basic type of food that is used a lot: Aid workers helped distribute corn, milk and other staples. 4 something that is produced by a country and is important for its economy: Rubber became the staple of the Malayan economy. 5 ~ (of sth) a large or important part of sth: Royal gossip is a staple of the tabloid press. verb [VN+adv./prep.] to attach one thing to another using a staple or staples: Staple the invoice to the receipt. * Staple the invoice and the receipt together.