fanfold

English

Etymology

From fan +‎ fold.

Adjective

fanfold (not comparable)

1. Having the shape of fan or concertina, with a row of sheets alternately folded backwards and forwards.
   • 2007 November 1, John Schwartz, “Repairing Solar Array Is New Focus of Spacewalk”, in New York Times‎^[1]:

     The problem appears to have started when a guide wire became hung up on one of the long hinges that join the fanfold panels of the array.

Verb

fanfold (third-person singular simple present fanfolds, present participle fanfolding, simple past and past participle fanfolded)

1. (transitive) To fold in this manner.
   • 2005, Pamela J. Carter, Susan Lewsen, Lippincott's Textbook for Nursing Assistants, page 277:

     When the top sheet, blanket, and bedspread of a closed bed are turned back, or fanfolded, the closed bed becomes an open bed, or a bed ready to receive a patient or resident.