but·ton  (bŭt'n) 
n. A generally disk-shaped fastener used to join two parts of a garment by fitting through a buttonhole or loop. Such an object used for decoration. A push-button switch. The blunt tip of a fencing foil. A fused metal or glass globule. In graphical user interface systems, a well-defined area within the interface that is clicked to select a command. In a hypertext database, an icon that when selected allows a user to view a particular associated object. An immature, unexpanded mushroom. The tip of a rattlesnake's rattle.
Any of various objects resembling a button, especially: A push-button switch. The blunt tip of a fencing foil. A fused metal or glass globule. In graphical user interface systems, a well-defined area within the interface that is clicked to select a command. In a hypertext database, an icon that when selected allows a user to view a particular associated object. An immature, unexpanded mushroom. The tip of a rattlesnake's rattle.
Computer Science In graphical user interface systems, a well-defined area within the interface that is clicked to select a command. In a hypertext database, an icon that when selected allows a user to view a particular associated object. An immature, unexpanded mushroom. The tip of a rattlesnake's rattle.
Any of various knoblike structures of a plant or animal, especially: An immature, unexpanded mushroom. The tip of a rattlesnake's rattle.
A usually round flat badge that bears a design or printed information and is typically pinned to a garment: a campaign button. Informal The end of the chin, regarded as the point of impact for a punch.
v.
but·toned, but·ton·ing, but·tons
v.
tr.
To fasten with buttons: buttoned his shirt; buttoned up her raincoat. To decorate or furnish with buttons. Informal To close (the lips or mouth): Button your lip.
v.
intr.
To be or be capable of being fastened with buttons: The blouse buttons up the back.
Phrasal Verb(s):
button upTo fasten one's clothing tightly, as against cold weather. To close or seal securely: button up the cabin for winter. To complete the final details of: "Publication is a couple of months off; they're just buttoning up paperback rights" (Donald Dale Jackson).
Idiom(s):
on the buttonExactly; precisely.
[Middle English, from Old French bouton, from bouter, to thrust, of Germanic origin; see bhau- in Indo-European roots.]
but'ton·er n., but'ton·y adj. |
n