Schlingen

Schlingen is the plural form of the German noun Schlinge, which translates roughly as loop, sling, or noose in English. The term is used across different domains to describe a form of a loop or a strap that creates a circle around an object, a point of attachment, or a support.

In everyday and technical use, a Schlinge refers to a loop formed in rope, cord, or cable that can be tied or created with a knot or a device. It is commonly used to secure, lift, or fasten items, or to pass a rope around an object for handling or restraint. A hand or arm sling, often called a Schlinge in German, uses a loop to support a limb.

In climbing, rescue, and rigging, a Schlinge is a fabric or rope loop used with carabiners to build anchors, belays, and lowering systems. Slings can be tubular or sewn and come in various widths and materials, chosen for load, angle, and duration of use. They are valued for distributing weight and reducing wear on ropes.

In medical and anatomical contexts, the term can describe a loop of tissue or a looping structure, and in surgery a ligature or loop used to constrict a vessel or duct can be conceptually referred to as a Schlinge. In biology and botany, the word may appear in descriptions of looped or coiling structures, though less commonly.

Overall, Schlingen denotes looping formations and attachments that serve purposes of support, restraint, or load management, with usage varying by field.