I. ˈbə-t ə n noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English boton, from Anglo-French butun rose hip, stud, from buter to thrust — more at butt
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a small knob or disk secured to an article (as of clothing) and used as a fastener by passing it through a buttonhole or loop
b. : a usually circular metal or plastic badge bearing a stamped design or printed slogan
campaign button
2. : something that resembles a button: as
a. : any of various parts or growths of a plant or of an animal: as
(1) : bud
(2) : an immature whole mushroom ; especially : button mushroom
(3) : the terminal segment of a rattlesnake's rattle
b. : a small globule of metal remaining after fusion (as in assaying)
c. : a guard on the tip of a fencing foil
3.
a. : push button
b. : something (as a push button) that has the real or symbolic capability of initiating a catastrophe (as a nuclear attack)
has his finger on the button
c. : a hidden sensitivity that can be manipulated to produce a desired response
knows how to push my button s
d. : a usually box-shaped computer icon that initiates a specific software function
4. : the point of the chin especially as a target for a knockout blow
• but·ton·less -ləs adjective
•
- on the button
II. verb
( but·toned ; but·ton·ing ˈbət-niŋ, ˈbə-t ə n-iŋ)
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to furnish or decorate with buttons
2.
a. : to pass (a button) through a buttonhole or loop
b. : to close or fasten with buttons — often used with up
button up your overcoat
3.
a. : to close (the lips) to prevent speech
button your lip
b. : to close or seal tightly — usually used with up
button up the house for winter
intransitive verb
: to have buttons for fastening
this dress button s at the back
• but·ton·er ˈbət-nər, ˈbə-t ə n-ər noun