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switching


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switch

 (swĭch)

n.

1.

a. An exchange or a swap, especially one done secretly.

b. A transference or shift, as of opinion or attention.

2.

a. A device used to break or open an electric circuit or to divert current from one conductor to another.

b. A device consisting of two sections of railroad track and accompanying apparatus used to transfer rolling stock from one track to another.

3.

a. A slender flexible rod, stick, or twig, especially one used for whipping.

b. The bushy tip of the tail of certain animals: a cow's switch.

c. A thick strand of real or synthetic hair used as part of a coiffure.

d. A flailing or lashing, as with a slender rod: gave the ox a switch.

v. switched, switch·ing, switch·es

v.tr.

1.

a. To exchange: asked her brother to switch seats with her.

b. To shift, transfer, or divert: switched the conversation to a lighter subject.

2.

a. To connect, disconnect, or divert (an electric current) by operating a switch.

b. To cause (an electric current or appliance) to begin or cease operation: switched the lights on and off.

c. Informal To produce as if by operating a control. Often used with on: switched on the charm.

3. To move (rolling stock) from one track to another; shunt.

4.

a. To whip with a switch, especially in punishing a child.

b. To jerk or swish abruptly or sharply: a cat switching its tail.

v.intr.

1. To make or undergo a shift or an exchange: The office has switched to shorter summer hours.

2. To swish sharply from side to side.

Phrasal Verb:

switch off Informal

To stop paying attention; lose interest.


[Probably of Low German or Flemish origin.]


switch′a·ble adj.

switch′er n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun1.switching - the act of changing one thing or position for another; "his switch on abortion cost him the election"

change - the action of changing something; "the change of government had no impact on the economy"; "his change on abortion cost him the election"

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.