electrical switch
1
2.8
- noun
- /ɪˈlɛktrɪkəl swɪtʃ/
:
interruptor eléctrico
- Workers had placed sandbags and high-powered suction pumps to protect the room with electrical switches.
Examples
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An electrical switch fitted into a 3" x 5" wooden card file box (no wires, just the switch and box) with the following directions on the inside of the lid: "To begin, turn on -- continue doing what you are doing -- or don't -- do something else."
Academic text (1997) -
Bulkier stuff, such as electrical switches and chunks of wall plaster, will be tossed out since state storage facilities are reaching maximum capacity.
Academic text (2009) -
LOUD ELECTRICAL SWITCH
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According to Perkins, "Electrical switches and thermostats no higher than 48 inches above the floor and electrical outlets no lower than 27 inches put them within reach of virtually anyone" (Para. 10).
Academic text (2008) -
To turn on the lights, you need to press the electrical switch located near the door.
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The technician replaced the broken electrical switch to restore power to the whole house.
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Before working on the appliances, make sure to turn off the electrical switch for safety.
Synonyms
233
2.5
A small device that turns electrical power on or off
2
2.2
A control that turns a device on or off
1
2.0
A control that turns power to a device on or off
1
3.9
A small lever you move to turn electric power on or off
1
4.6
A control you move to choose a setting on a machine
A small device on a wall that turns electricity on and off
A device that lets you turn a light on or off from two different places
How Complex
- Specialized
8
3.9
- Specialized
80
5.7
1
2.8
- Specialized
1
3.9
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning of 'electrical switch' is directly compositional: 'electrical' (pertaining to electricity) modifies 'switch' (a device that opens or closes circuits), so the phrase denotes a switch used in electrical circuits. This adjective+noun pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Electrical switch may come from the image of a switch on old railways: a lever that moves the track to send a train one way or another. An electrical switch works the same with electricity by moving the path to 'make', 'break' or 'change' a connection, so the name shows what it does today.