hang
/heɪŋ/ · hang
noun
- The way in which something hangs; its drape or fall. The dress has a beautiful hang that flatters her figure.
- A grip, understanding, or proficiency with something. After a few tries, she finally got the hang of the new software.
- An instance where a computer or system stops responding. The program experienced a hang during the data import.
verb
- To be or remain suspended from above. The lanterns hung from the rafters during the ceremony.
- To float or remain in the air, as smoke, scent, or light. A faint perfume hung in the hallway.
- In sports, to rebound or bounce unusually slowly because of spin or surface conditions. The tennis ball hung after hitting the net, giving the opponent extra time.
Did you know? The phrase “hang fire” originally described a delay in the ignition of a firearm’s powder charge, and today it means to postpone or wait before acting.