flip-flop

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

flip-flop
    n 1: a decision to reverse an earlier decision [syn: {reversal},
         {change of mind}, {flip-flop}, {turnabout}, {turnaround}]
    2: a backless sandal held to the foot by a thong between the big
       toe and the second toe [syn: {flip-flop}, {thong}]
    3: an electronic circuit that can assume either of two stable
       states
    4: a backward somersault
    v 1: reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action) [syn:
         {interchange}, {tack}, {switch}, {alternate}, {flip},
         {flip-flop}]

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

flip-flop
Eccles-Jordan circuit

   <hardware> A digital logic circuit that can be in one of two
   states which it switches (or "{toggles}") between under
   control of its inputs.  It can thus be considered as a one bit
   memory.  Three types of flip-flop are common: the {SR
   flip-flop}, the {JK flip-flop} and the {D-type flip-flop} (or
   {latch}).

   Early literature refers to the "Eccles-Jordan circuit" and the
   "Eccles-Jordan binary counter", using two {vacuum tubes} as
   the active (amplifying) elements for each {bit} of information
   storage.  Later implementations using {bipolar transistors}
   could operate at up to 20 million state transitions per second
   as early as 1963.

   (1995-11-11)