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switch

/swɪtʃ/
Dictionary

noun

  • A bundle of thin sticks, typically made of wood, sometimes bond in such a way that binding can be moved so that it varies the tightness of the binding.
Synonyms:dowelswitch

noun

  • A device to turn electric current on and off or direct its flow.
  • A change or exchange.
  • A movable section of railroad track which allows the train to be directed down one of two destination tracks; (set of) points.
  • A slender woody plant stem used as a whip; a thin, flexible rod, associated with corporal punishment in the United States.
  • A command line notation allowing specification of optional behavior.

    "Use the /b switch to specify black-and-white printing."

  • A programming construct that takes different actions depending on the value of an expression.

    "2004, "Curt", Can I use IF statements, and still use switches? (on newsgroup microsoft.public.word.mailmerge.fields)"

  • A networking device connecting multiple wires, allowing them to communicate simultaneously, when possible. Compare to the less efficient hub device that solely duplicates network packets to each wire.
  • A system of specialized relays, computer hardware, or other equipment which allows the interconnection of a calling party's telephone line with any called party's line.
  • A mechanism within DNA that activates or deactivates a gene.
  • (BDSM) One who is willing to take either a submissive or a dominant role in a sexual relationship.
  • A separate mass or tress of hair, or of some substance (such as jute) made to resemble hair, formerly worn on the head by women.

verb

  • To exchange.

    "I want to switch this red dress for a green one."

  • To change (something) to the specified state using a switch.

    "Switch the light on."

  • To whip or hit with a switch.
  • To change places, tasks, etc.

    "I want to switch to a different seat."

  • To get angry suddenly; to quickly or unreasonably become enraged.
  • To swing or whisk.

    "to switch a cane"

  • To be swung or whisked.

    "The angry cat's tail switched back and forth."

  • To trim.

    "to switch a hedge"

  • To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; generally with off, from, etc.

    "to switch off a train; to switch a car from one track to another"

  • To shift to another circuit.

adjective

  • Pertaining to riding with the front and back feet swapped round compared to one's normal position.
  • Pertaining to skiing backwards.

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