alligator clip

noun

, Electricity.

1. a type of terminal for making temporary electrical connections, consisting of a cliplike device with long, narrow jaws that resemble those of an alligator.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alligator clip¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

He couldn't control his fingers accurately yet, and he made several attempts to pull the alligator clip off the terminal post.

From Project Gutenberg

When he had pulled the alligator clip, the board had showed red.

From Project Gutenberg