n.
- a device for making and breaking an electrical connection.
▸Computing a program variable which activates or deactivates a function.
▸Computing a device which forwards data packets to an appropriate part of the network.
- a change, especially a radical one.
- a slender, flexible shoot cut from a tree.
- N. Amer. a set of points on a railway track.
- a tress of hair used in hairdressing to supplement a person's natural hair.
v.
- change in position, direction, or focus.
▸exchange.
-
(switch something off/on)
turn an electrical device off (or on).
▸
(switch off)
informal cease to pay attention.
- archaic beat with or as if with a switch.
Derivative
Etymology
C16 (denoting a thin tapering riding whip): prob. from Low Ger.