Definition

1. Noun:
   • A push button is a small, typically round device that completes or breaks an electrical circuit when pressed, thereby controlling a machine or system. It is a type of electrical switch activated by applying pressure with a finger.

Usage

• The term push button is a compound noun. It is commonly used to describe the physical interface for activating a wide range of electronic and mechanical devices.
• It is often used in the plural form (push buttons) when referring to multiple controls or a control panel.
• Example: "The technician replaced the faulty push button on the control panel."

Examples

• Noun:
  • To call the elevator, simply press the push button.
  • The machine is started by a large green push button.
  • The remote control has several push buttons for different functions.

Advanced Usage

• "Push-button" as an adjective: When hyphenated, it describes something that is operated by or as if by pushing a button, often implying automation or ease of use.
  • We live in a push-button world. (A world where many things are automated and easy to activate.)
  • The system offers push-button simplicity. (The system is very easy to operate.)

Variants and Related Words

• Button (n): A more general term that can be synonymous with push button in many contexts, especially in computing and electronics (e.g., a mouse button, the power button).
• Switch (n): A broader category of devices for making or breaking a circuit, which includes push buttons, toggle switches, and rocker switches.
• Key (n): While a key on a keyboard is a type of push button, it is specifically associated with data entry.

Synonyms

• Control button
• Press button
• Momentary switch (a more technical term for a switch that only makes contact while being pressed)

Related Phrases

• Push-button phone: A telephone that uses buttons to dial, as opposed to a rotary dial phone.
• Push-button start: A system in a vehicle where the engine is started by pressing a button rather than turning a key.

Noun

1. an electrical switch operated by pressing
   • the elevator was operated by push buttons
   • the push beside the bed operated a buzzer at the desk