Pushbutton
/ˈpʊʃˌbʌt.ən/noun
A button that operates a mechanism when pressed.
Did you know?Unlike ancient words with occult roots, pushbutton is a modern compound born in the age of electricity, but it still carries the old Germanic verb push, which traces back to the same deep root behind words for thrusting and driving.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
pursian
“to push, thrust, or shove”
Middle English
ME
pussen
“to push or shove”
Late Middle English
ME
boton
“a knob or small projecting catch”
19th Century
English
push-button
“a button designed to be pressed to operate a device”
Modern English
English
pushbutton
“a button that activates a mechanism when pressed”