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zigzag

zig·zag [ zíg zàg ]


noun  (plural zig·zags)
Definition:
 
1. line taking alternating turns: a line going at an angle first one way, then sharply the opposite way, then back the first way, and so on, like the outline of a saw's teeth

2. something repeatedly switching directions sharply: something that follows a sharply alternating line or course, e.g. a road with sharp bends alternating right and left



adverb 
Definition:
 
in sharply alternating directions: along a sharply alternating line or course



verb  (past and past participle zig·zagged, present participle zig·zag·ging, 3rd person present singular zig·zags)
Definition:
 
1. transitive and intransitive verb proceed in sharply alternating path: to follow a sharply alternating line or course, or cause something to move in this way
They zigzagged across the field, dodging enemy bullets.

2. transitive verb handicraft make sharply alternating pattern: to make a pattern of sharply alternating lines or directions on something, e.g. with herringbone stitches

[Early 18th century. Via French< German Zickzack]
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