pinned out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pinned out" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts related to marking or indicating something, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "The map was pinned out to show the locations of interest for the hiking trip."

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

She didn't see herself as the W.I. type, and she wasn't even sure what Toc H was, but she walked to the center anyway, and scrutinized the notice boards in the foyer, the timetables for events and classes neatly pinned out in rows among notices for Brownies and photographs of children in karate whites.

The New Yorker

The pinned out tissue was then imaged for surface area measurements.

Chemistry Central Journal

After this, all excess Krebs buffer was removed from the well leaving only the pinned out tissue.

Chemistry Central Journal

The remaining tissue segment following mucosal scraping was pinned out to be imaged for surface area measurements.

Chemistry Central Journal

The tissue samples were then cut along the mesenteric border and pinned out into a modified tissue culture plate forming a whole mount preparation.

Chemistry Central Journal

Angel explained that "after the skin has been scraped, it is stretched and pinned out to dry.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Around 75 minutes of music is rolling-pinned out into a 140-minute extravaganza, with pitstops required for costume changes and stage resetting.

The Guardian - Music

In addition, the EQAS served as a tool to pin out the laboratories from where annual data were reliable.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Once you choose your band and logo, carefully pin out your T-shirt.

WikiHow

Carefully pin out your T-shirt and place the T-shirt where you want to logo to be.

WikiHow

Yet, even in a wheelchair, Sara would always arrive smiling, makeup on and bangs bobby-pinned out of her eyes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scientific or crafting process, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being "pinned out" and why. Clarity is paramount in technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pinned out" in general conversations or writing where the specific meaning of securing or displaying something with pins isn't relevant. The phrase is somewhat technical and might not be universally understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pinned out" functions primarily as a descriptive term within specific technical and scientific contexts. Ludwig's examples show that it indicates a method of preparing samples or materials for analysis or display by securing them with pins.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "pinned out" is primarily used in technical and scientific contexts to describe the process of securing materials or samples with pins for preparation or display. As confirmed by Ludwig, this term appears most frequently in scientific literature, with some usage in news and media and wiki sources. While grammatically acceptable, its technical nature means it may not be appropriate for general or informal conversation. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject being secured and the reason for doing so to avoid any confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affixed with pins

Replaces the phrasal verb with a more descriptive adjective phrase indicating attachment.

secured using pins

Focuses on the action of securing rather than the specific method.

fastened with pins

Similar to 'secured with pins' but emphasizes the joining aspect.

displayed with pins

Highlights the purpose of showing something using pins.

attached with pins

A more general term for joining items using pins.

mounted with pins

Describes fixing something onto a surface using pins.

stretched and pinned

More descriptive, indicating that the item was stretched before being pinned.

fixed in place with pins

Emphasizes that the purpose of using pins is to prevent movement.

held in position with pins

Similar to the previous example but with slightly different phrasing.

pinned in position

Shorter, more concise way of saying that something is pinned to prevent movement.

FAQs

How is "pinned out" typically used in scientific contexts?

In scientific research, "pinned out" often refers to the process of securing tissue or other samples onto a surface with pins to prepare them for imaging, staining, or other procedures. This ensures the sample remains flat and stable during analysis.

Is there a difference between "pinned out" and "pinned down"?

Yes, "pinned out" implies spreading something and securing it with pins, often for display or analysis. "Pinned down", on the other hand, means to restrict someone's movement or to force them to provide a specific answer or commitment.

What are some alternative ways to describe something that has been secured with pins?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "affixed with pins", "secured using pins", or "fastened with pins". The best choice depends on what aspect you want to emphasize.

In what situations would it be inappropriate to use the term "pinned out"?

It would be inappropriate to use "pinned out" in contexts where you're not literally talking about using pins to secure something. For example, using it in a figurative sense without a clear connection to the literal meaning could cause confusion.