1a. A generally disk-shaped fastener used to join two parts of a garment by fitting through a buttonhole or loop. b. Such an object used for decoration. 2. Any of various objects resembling a button, especially: a. A push-button switch. b. The blunt tip of a fencing foil. c. A fused metal or glass globule. 3.Computer Sciencea. In graphical user interface systems, a well-defined area within the interface that is clicked to select a command. b. In a hypertext database, an icon that when selected allows a user to view a particular associated object. 4. Any of various knoblike structures of a plant or animal, especially: a. An immature, unexpanded mushroom. b. The tip of a rattlesnake's rattle. 5. A usually round flat badge that bears a design or printed information and is typically pinned to a garment: a campaign button.6.Informal The end of the chin, regarded as the point of impact for a punch.
VERB:
Inflected forms: but·toned, but·ton·ing, but·tons
TRANSITIVE VERB:
1. To fasten with buttons: buttoned his shirt; buttoned up her raincoat.2. To decorate or furnish with buttons. 3.Informal To close (the lips or mouth): Button your lip.
INTRANSITIVE VERB:
To be or be capable of being fastened with buttons: The blouse buttons up the back.
PHRASAL VERB:
button up1. To fasten one's clothing tightly, as against cold weather. 2. To close or seal securely: button up the cabin for winter.3. To complete the final details of: “Publication is a couple of months off; they're just buttoning up paperback rights” (Donald Dale Jackson, Smithsonian November 1994.)
IDIOM:
on the button Exactly; precisely.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French bouton, from bouter, to thrust, of Germanic origin. See bhau- in Appendix I.
b
t
n
