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Knot Knowledge

Here are some basic rope / knot definitions and terms

End The end of the rope
   
Standing End The end of the rope not involved in making the knot, often shown as unfinished.
   
Standing Part Section of line between knot and the standing end.
   
Working End The active end of a line used in making the knot. May also be called the 'running end' or 'live end'.
   
Working Part Section of line between knot and the working end.
   
Bight The part of the rope between the standing part and the end that can be used in tying a knot. Many knots, like the bowline, can be tied in either the end or the bight.
 
   
"A Bight"  A semi-circle or U-shaped loop of rope where the rope does not cross itself;
   
Loop A circle of rope in which the rope crosses itself
   
Elbow Two crossing points created by an extra twist in a loop.
   
Dress To remove slack in the knot by drawing up the knot neatly; to make sure the knot is tied correctly, that all parts are where they should be
   
Set To fully tighten a knot by pulling on all parts
   
Hitch A knot that attaches a rope directly to an object
   
Friction Hitch  - a knot tied directly to the standing part, another rope, or a cylindrical object that is adjustable (can be slid) when the knot itself is grabbed and moved, but otherwise stays put (from friction) when the load is on the standing part
   
Stopper Knot  A bulky knot that is used to prevent the rope from pulling through a hole or pulley
 

Knot Types

Knots may belong to more than one category:
   
Bend A knot uniting two lines (for knots joining two ends of the same line, see binding knots or loops).
   
Binding A knot that restricts object(s) by making multiple winds.
   
Coil Knots used to tie up lines for storage.
   
Decorative Complex knot exhibiting repeating patterns often constructed around and enhancing an object.
   
Hitch A knot tied to a post, cable, ring, or spar.
   
Lashing A knot used to hold (usually) poles together.
   
Loop A knot used to create a closed circle in a line.
   
Plait A number of lines interwoven in a simple regular pattern.
   
Slip (or Running) A knot tied with a hitch around one of its parts, contrasted. with a loop, which is closed with a bend. A slip knot can be closed, a loop remains the same size.
   
Seizing A knot used to hold two lines or two parts of the same line together.
   
Splice A knot formed by interweaving strands of rope rather than whole lines. More time consuming but usually stronger than simple knots.
   
Stopper A knot tied to hold a line through a hole.
   
Whipping A binding knot used to prevent another line from fraying.