cotpin

Cotpin is a term with no universally recognized definition in major reference works. It appears in a variety of informal contexts, and its meaning is typically determined by the surrounding discussion. Because of its uncertain status, cotpin is often treated as a neologism, a typographical variant, or an acronym depending on the source.

In hardware and mechanical discussions, cotpin is frequently a misspelling or casual shorthand for cotter pin, also called a split pin. A cotter pin is a metal fastener that is bent and inserted through a hole in a bolt or shaft to secure it in place.

In other domains, there is no standard definition. Some writers have used cotpin as an acronym in specific projects, while others use it as a proper name in fictional works. Because there is no consensus, cotpin should be interpreted from context.

Given its ambiguity, readers should verify the intended meaning by consulting definitions or glossaries provided by the source material and by distinguishing it from similarly spelled terms such as cotter pin.

See also: cotter pin, pin (mechanical fastener).