Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Switch?

\Switch\, n. (Elec.) A device for shifting an electric current to another circuit, or for making and breaking a circuit.
\Switch\, n. [Cf. OD. swick a scourage, a whip. Cf. {Swink}, {Swing}.] 1. A small, flexible twig or rod. Mauritania, on the fifth medal, leads a horse with something like a thread; in her other hand she holds a switch. --Addison. 2. (Railways) A movable part of a rail; or of opposite rails, for transferring cars from one track to another. 3. A separate mass or trees of hair, or of some substance (at jute) made to resemble hair, worn on the head by women. 4. (Elec.) A mechanical device for shifting an electric current to another circuit. {Safety switch} (Railways), a form of switch contrived to prevent or lessen the danger of derailment of trains. {Switch back} (Railways), an arrangement of tracks whereby elevations otherwise insurmountable are passed. The track ascends by a series of zigzags, the engine running alternately forward and back, until the summit is reached. {Switch board} (Elec.), a collection of switches in one piece of apparatus, so arranged that a number of circuits may be connected or combined in any desired manner. {Switch grass}. (Bot.) See under {Grass}.
\Switch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Switched}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Switching}.] 1. To strike with a switch or small flexible rod; to whip. --Chapman. 2. To swing or whisk; as, to switch a cane. 3. To trim, as, a hedge. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell. 4. To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; -- generally with off, from, etc.; as, to switch off a train; to switch a car from one track to another. 5. (Eccl.) To shift to another circuit.
\Switch\, v. i. To walk with a jerk. [Prov. Eng.]