return key
1
2.1
- noun
- /rɪˈtɜrn ki/
:
tecla de retorno
- When you finish typing your command, don't forget to press the return key for it to take effect.
- hit the return key
Examples
-
Still, the robot Gort carrying the unconscious Patricia Neal in his arms, and my finger wavered above the Return key.
Fiction book (2000) -
To start a new line in your document, simply press the return key.
-
"Hit the return key," Mark said.
Fiction book (2000) -
"Hit the return key," Mark suggested.
Fiction book (2000) -
I have just found out that the Return key does not work to start a new paragraph.
Blog text (32) -
The problem was as simple as a little "." or clicking the return key.
Blog text (8) -
Except when a multiple-choice answer was required, the subject could advance from one screen to the next at any time by pressing the Return key.
Academic text (1990) -
"I had a shit-load of stuff to do," she went on, sharply striking the Return key.
Fiction book (1990) -
He pressed the return key, and the ship moved toward the docking bay.
Fiction book (2000) -
Return key.
Academic text (1990)
Synonyms
10
3.3
A key you press to move to a new line
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is fully compositional: 'return' (the action of returning/moving the cursor to the next line) combined with 'key' (a pressable lever) yields the literal meaning 'the key that performs a return'. This follows a standard noun+noun naming pattern for keyboard keys and has clear cross-linguistic parallels (e.g. 'enter'/'return'), so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Return key comes from old typewriters. Pressing the return moved the paper holder back to the left so the typist could 'start a new line', and that's why the return key today makes a new line or acts like the 'Enter' key.