noun 1.a small disk, knob, or the like for sewing or otherwise attaching to an article, as of clothing, serving as a fastening when passed through a buttonhole or loop.
2.anything resembling a button, especially in being small and round, as any of various candies, ornaments, tags, identification badges, reflectors, markers, etc.
3.a badge or emblem bearing a
name, slogan, identifying figure, etc., for wear on the lapel, dress, etc.:
campaign buttons. 4.any small knob or disk pressed to activate an electric circuit, release a spring, or otherwise operate or open a machine, small door, toy, etc.
5.Botany. a bud or other protuberant part of a plant.
EXPAND6.Mycology. a.a young or undeveloped mushroom.
b.any protuberant part of a fungus.
7.Zoology. any of various small parts or structures resembling a button, as the rattle at the tip of the tail in a very young rattlesnake.
8.Boxing Informal. the point of the chin.
9.Also called turn button. a fastener for a door, window, etc., having two arms and rotating on a pivot that is attached to the frame.
10.Metallurgy. (in assaying) a small globule or lump of metal at the bottom of a crucible after fusion.
11.Fencing. the protective, blunting knob fixed to the point of a foil.
12.Horology. crown (def. 19). 13.Computers. (in a graphical user interface) any of the small, labeled areas upon
which the user can click with a mouse to choose an option.
COLLAPSE verb (used with object) 14.to fasten with a button or buttons: She quickly buttoned her coat.
15.to insert (a button) in a
buttonhole or loop:
He buttoned the top button of his shirt. 16.to provide (something) with a button or buttons.
verb (used without object) 17.to be capable of being buttoned: This coat buttons, but that one zips.
Idioms18.button up, Informal. a.Also, button one's lip. to become or keep silent.
b.to fasten securely; close up: Within a short time, everything on the submarine was buttoned up.
c.to fasten fully or put on, especially an outer garment: Button up before going out.
d.to complete successfully; finish: The report is all buttoned up.
19.have all one's buttons, Informal. to be mentally competent, alert, and sane; have all one's wits: At 106 she still has all her buttons.
20.on the button, Informal. exactly as desired, expected, specified, etc.: The prediction for snow was right on the button.
Origin: 1275–1325; Middle English boto(
u)
n <
Anglo-French: rosehip, button, stud;
Middle French boton, equivalent to
boter to
butt3 +
-on noun suffix
Related formsbut·ton·er, noun
but·ton·like, adjective
mis·but·ton, verb (used with object)
mis·but·toned, adjective
re·but·ton, verb (used with object)
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