switch

noun

A bundle of thin sticks, typically made of wood, sometimes bond in such a way that binding can be moved so that it varies the tightness of the binding.

1. A device to turn electric current on and off or direct its flow.
2. A change or exchange.
3. A movable section of railroad track which allows the train to be directed down one of two destination tracks; (set of) points.
4. A slender woody plant stem used as a whip; a thin, flexible rod, associated with corporal punishment in the United States.
5. A command line notation allowing specification of optional behavior.

   Use the /b switch to specify black-and-white printing.

6. A programming construct that takes different actions depending on the value of an expression.

   2004, "Curt", Can I use IF statements, and still use switches? (on newsgroup microsoft.public.word.mailmerge.fields)

7. A networking device connecting multiple wires, allowing them to communicate simultaneously, when possible. Compare to the less efficient hub device that solely duplicates network packets to each wire.
8. A system of specialized relays, computer hardware, or other equipment which allows the interconnection of a calling party's telephone line with any called party's line.
9. A mechanism within DNA that activates or deactivates a gene.
10. (BDSM) One who is willing to take either a submissive or a dominant role in a sexual relationship.
11. A separate mass or tress of hair, or of some substance (such as jute) made to resemble hair, formerly worn on the head by women.

1. To exchange.

   I want to switch this red dress for a green one.

2. To change (something) to the specified state using a switch.

   Switch the light on.

3. To whip or hit with a switch.
4. To change places, tasks, etc.

   I want to switch to a different seat.

5. To get angry suddenly; to quickly or unreasonably become enraged.
6. To swing or whisk.

   to switch a cane

7. To be swung or whisked.

   The angry cat's tail switched back and forth.

8. To trim.

   to switch a hedge

9. To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; generally with off, from, etc.

   to switch off a train; to switch a car from one track to another

10. To shift to another circuit.

1. Pertaining to riding with the front and back feet swapped round compared to one's normal position.
2. Pertaining to skiing backwards.