figure eight

American  

[fig-yer eyt] / ˈfɪg yər ˈeɪt /

noun

1. a figure or form composed of two loops made by a continuous line crossing itself, as in the numeral “8,” especially as traced on ice in figure skating.

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Etymology

Origin of figure eight

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

The solution devised by the team was to create multiple racetracks, pairing them up so they look a bit like a figure eight.

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2023

It’s also known as the “Eight Burst” Nebula, as it can look like a sideways figure eight from certain viewpoints.

From The Verge • Jul. 12, 2022

She once described the image she held in her mind while writing her novel “Look at Me,” about a model, a teenager and a terrorist, as a figure eight.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2022

Knot strength depends a lot on its material: a beefy figure eight knot in a thin fishing line will never support more weight than the lowly overhand knot in a climbing rope.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2021

Ralph started to whiz around in a figure eight when his tires slipped and the motorcycle tipped; He lost control and landed in icy, dirty water.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary