Search results for 'switch':

Switch noun, trademark a debit card service offered by a number of British banks. Also as adj • Switch card.
ETYMOLOGY: 1990s.

switch noun (switches) 1 a manually operated or automatic device that is used to open or close an electric circuit, eg a lever or button that makes or breaks a pair of contacts. 2 a change. 3 an exchange or change-over, especially one involving a deception. 4 a long flexible twig or cane, especially one used for corporal punishment; a stroke with such a twig or cane. 5 a tool for beating eggs or cream; a whisk. 6 cards a change of suit. 7 a tress of hair, especially one of false hair used eg to give greater bulk to someone's natural hair. 8 a tuft of hair at the end of an animal's tail. 9 N Amer a set of railway points. verb (switches, switched, switching) 1 tr & intr to exchange (one thing or person for another), especially quickly and without notice in order to deceive. 2 tr & intr to transfer or change over (eg to a different system). 3 to beat with a switch. switched on colloq 1 well informed or aware. 2 old use under the influence of drugs.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c, meaning 'riding whip': probably from German dialect schwutsche a long stick or Dutch swijch a branch.