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. Computers 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 an organism, 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.7. Games a. In card games, especially poker, a plastic disk or similar marker placed in front of the person who is designated as dealer for a particular hand. At the start of each hand, the first card is dealt to the left of the button and the dealing of cards continues clockwise around the table.b. The person who is in possession of this button.c. The position on the gaming table where this button is located.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 botoun, 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.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.button (?b?t?n) n1. (Clothing & Fashion) a disc or knob of plastic, wood, etc, attached to a garment, etc, usually for fastening two surfaces together by passing it through a buttonhole or loop2. a small round object, such as any of various sweets, decorations, or badges3. (Electronics) a small disc that completes an electric circuit when pushed, as one that operates a doorbell or machine4. (Electronics) a symbolic representation of a button on the screen of a computer that is notionally depressed by manipulating the mouse to initiate an action5. (Biology) biology any rounded knoblike part or organ, such as an unripe mushroom6. (Fencing) fencing the protective knob fixed to the point of a foil7. (Metallurgy) a small amount of metal, usually lead, with which gold or silver is fused, thus concentrating it during assaying8. (Metallurgy) the piece of a weld that pulls out during the destructive testing of spot welds9. (Rowing) rowing a projection around the loom of an oar that prevents it slipping through the rowlock10. Brit an object of no value (esp in the phrase not worth a button)11. slang intellect; mental capacity (in such phrases as a button short, to have all one’s buttons, etc)12. on the button informal exactly; preciselyvb13. to fasten with a button or buttons14. (tr) to provide with buttons15. (Fencing) (tr) fencing to hit (an opponent) with the button of one’s foil16. button one’s lip button up one’s lip button one’s mouth button up one’s mouth to stop talking: often imperative[C14: from Old French boton, from boter to thrust, butt, of Germanic origin; see butt3] ?buttoner n ?buttonless adj ?buttony adjCollins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014but?ton (?b?t n) n. 1. a small disk, knob, or the like attached to an article, as of clothing, and serving as a fastener when passed through a buttonhole or loop. 2. anything resembling a button, esp. in being small and round, as a candy, ornament, or marker. 3. a badge or emblem bearing a name, slogan, or the like, for wear on the lapel, dress, etc.: campaign buttons. 4. a small knob or disk pressed to activate an electric circuit, operate a machine, open a door, etc. 5. 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. 6. a young or undeveloped mushroom. 7. 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. Informal. the point of the chin. 9. (in assaying) a small globule or lump of metal at the bottom of a crucible after fusion. 10. the protective, blunting knob fixed to the point of a fencing foil. v.t. 11. to fasten with or as if with a button or buttons: Button your coat. 12. to insert (a button) in a buttonhole or loop. v.i. 13. to be capable of being buttoned: This coat buttons up the front. Idioms: 1. button up, a. Also, button one’s lip. to become or keep silent. b. to complete successfully; finish. 2. (right) on the button, exact; correct. [1275?1325; Middle English boto(u)n