But·ton (b t n), Richard Totten Known as "Dick." Born 1929. American figure skater who was U.S. men's champion from 1946 to 1952 and won Olympic gold medals in 1948 and 1952. |
but·ton (b t n)n.1. a. 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 Science a. 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. v. but·toned, but·ton·ing, but·tons v.tr.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. v.intr. 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). Idiom: on the button Exactly; precisely.
[Middle English, from Old French bouton, from bouter, to thrust, of Germanic origin; see bhau- in Indo-European roots.]
but ton·er n. but ton·y adj. |
button upvb (tr, adverb)1. to fasten (a garment) with a button or buttons 2. Informal to conclude (business) satisfactorily buttoned up Slang taciturn; silent and somewhat tense
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Verb | 1. | button up - refuse to talk or stop talking; fall silent; "The children shut up when their father approached" |
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