Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hand-operated electronic device used to control the movement of a cursor or pointer on a computer screen. The user moves the device across a flat surface, and this motion is translated into corresponding movements on the screen, allowing for interaction with graphical user interfaces.

Usage

The term "computer mouse" is a compound noun. It is used to specify the input device for a computer, distinguishing it from the animal. It is typically used in singular or plural forms ("mice" or "mouses" are both accepted plurals in computing contexts, though "mice" is more common).

Examples

• Noun:
  • I need to buy a new computer mouse; the left button on mine is broken.
  • For graphic design, a high-precision computer mouse is essential.
  • The cord of the computer mouse got tangled under the desk.

Advanced Usage

• "To right-click/left-click/double-click the mouse": These are standard verbs for interacting with a computer mouse.
  • Right-click the mouse to open the context menu.
• "Mouse pointer/cursor": The on-screen icon (often an arrow) controlled by the mouse.
  • Move the mouse pointer over the icon.

Variants and Related Words

• Mouse (n): The common, shortened form of "computer mouse."
  • My wireless mouse needs new batteries.
• Trackball (n): A pointing device where the user rotates a stationary ball with their thumb or fingers to move the cursor.
• Input device (n): A broader category that includes the computer mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc.

Synonyms

• Pointing device: A more general term for any hardware used to control a cursor.
• Peripheral: A device connected to a computer to provide input or output.

Related Phrases

• Mouse pad/mat (n): A surface on which a computer mouse is moved.
  • A good mouse pad improves tracking accuracy.
• Scroll wheel (n): The wheel on a mouse used for scrolling up and down on a page.
  • Use the scroll wheel to navigate the long document.

Noun

1. a hand-operated electronic device that controls the coordinates of a cursor on your computer screen as you move it around on a pad; on the bottom of the device is a ball that rolls on the surface of the pad
   • a mouse takes much more room than a trackball