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Dictionary

but•ton

Pronunciation: (but'n), [key]
—n.
1. a small disk, knob, or the like for sewing or otherwise attaching to an article, as of clothing, serving as a fastening when passed through a buttonhole or loop.
2. anything resembling a button, esp. in being small and round, as any of various candies, ornaments, tags, identification badges, reflectors, markers, etc.
3. a badge or emblem bearing a name, slogan, identifying figure, etc., for wear on the lapel, dress, etc.: campaign buttons.
4. any small knob or disk pressed to activate an electric circuit, release a spring, or otherwise operate or open a machine, small door, toy, etc.
5. Bot.a bud or other protuberant part of a plant.
6. Mycol.
a. a young or undeveloped mushroom.
b. any protuberant part of a fungus.
7. Zool.any of various small parts or structures resembling a button, as the rattle at the tip of the tail in a very young rattlesnake.
8. Boxing. Informal.the point of the chin.
9. Also called turn button. a fastener for a door, window, etc., having two arms and rotating on a pivot that is attached to the frame.
10. Metall.(in assaying) a small globule or lump of metal at the bottom of a crucible after fusion.
11. Fencing.the protective, blunting knob fixed to the point of a foil.
12. Horol.crown (def. 19).
13. Computers.(in a graphical user interface) any of the small, labeled, button-shaped areas upon which the user can click, as with a mouse, to choose an option.
14. have all one's buttons, Informal.to be mentally competent, alert, and sane; have all one's wits: At 106 she still has all her buttons.
15. on the button, Informal.exactly as desired, expected, specified, etc.: The prediction for snow was right on the button.

—v.t.
1. to fasten with a button or buttons: She quickly buttoned her coat.
2. to insert (a button) in a buttonhole or loop: He buttoned the top button of his shirt.
3. to provide (something) with a button or buttons.

—v.i.
1. to be capable of being buttoned: This coat buttons, but that one zips.
2. button up, Informal.
a. Also,button one's lip.to become or keep silent.
b. to fasten securely; close up: Within a short time, everything on the submarine was buttoned up.
c. to fasten fully or put on, esp. an outer garment: Button up before going out.
d. to complete successfully; finish: The report is all buttoned up.