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Glite Dictionary
⏳ A loading icon 🔊 A pulsing sound
throbber

throbber

8.2
A small moving symbol that shows a computer or app is working
  • noun
  • /ˈθrɑːbər/
  • Texting
translation icon : indicador
  • I saw a spinning throbber on the screen.

Examples

  • The throbber appeared while the file was downloading.

  • A colorful throbber let users know the app was still working.

  • The throbber appeared in the corner of the screen while the file was uploading.

  • If the throbber keeps spinning, try refreshing the webpage.

  • The throbber on the screen indicated that the application was loading data.

  • As I waited for the file to download, I watched the throbber spin, signaling the process.

  • When the page takes time to load, you might see a colorful throbber animating in the browser.

Synonyms

indicator
vsthrobber
  • Specialized
11 3.7

A device that shows the condition of a machine or system

is a visual icon that specifically signals loading or processing on devices
flasher
vsthrobber
2 4.0

A light that turns on and off to give a signal

is a graphical icon indicating loading rather than a physical signaling light
blinky
vsthrobber
1 7.8

A small light that flashes to show a device is on or has a problem

is an on-screen graphic that indicates processing rather than a physical light
spinner
vsthrobber
  • Texting
3.5

A moving icon that shows a page or app is loading

is a general icon indicating loading without mentioning rotation
web spinner
vsthrobber
  • Texting
3.9

A small spinning image on a website that shows the page is loading

is the general device loading icon used beyond websites

Surface Forms

throbber singular
throbbers plural

Morphology

throbber = throb (opaque) = throb + er

The suffix '-er' typically denotes an agent or instrument, but the specific meaning related to a loading icon is not derivable from 'throb'.

Etymology

Throbber comes from the verb throb ('to beat' or 'pulse') plus the ending -er ('one that does something'). A computer throbber is a small moving icon that 'pulses' on the screen to show the device is working, so the name links the steady beat to the idea of activity.