clap

Clap may refer to:

• Clapping, the act of striking the palms of the hands, or any two surfaces, together
• Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection, colloquially known as "the clap"
• Clap skate, a type of ice skate used in speed skating

A clap is the percussive sound made by striking together two flat surfaces, as in the body parts of humans or animals. Humans clap with the palms of their hands, often quickly and repeatedly to express appreciation or approval (see applause), but also in rhythm as a form of body percussion to match the sounds in music, dance, chants, hand games, and clapping games.

Some people slap the back of one hand into the palm of the other hand to signify urgency or enthusiasm. This act may be considered uncouth by others.

Clapping is used in many forms of music. One example is in gospel music. In flamenco and sevillanas, two Spanish musical genres, clapping is called palmas and often sets the rhythm and is an integral part of the songs. The sevillana is a type of folk music, sung and written in the city of Seville in Spain. A sampled or synthesized clap is also a staple [主要内容] of electronic and pop music.

The clap skate (also called clapskates, slap skates, slapskates, from Dutch ) is a type of ice skate used in speed skating. Unlike in traditional skates where the blade is rigidly fixed to the boot, clap skates have the blade attached to the boot by a hinge at the front. This allows the blade to remain in contact with the ice longer, as the ankle can now be extended toward the end of the stroke, as well as for more natural movement, thereby distributing the energy of the leg more effectively and efficiently.

Regular skate and clap skate compared; Hinge of a clap skate

 

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When a group of people applaud, they clap their hands in order to show approval. Applause is the noise made by a group of people clapping their hands to show approval.