switch
adj : (baseball) able to bat either right-handed or left-handed;
"a switch hitter" [syn: {switch(a)}]
n 1: a mechanical, electrical, or electronic device for making or
breaking or changing the connections in a circuit
2: an event in which one thing is substituted for another [syn:
{substitution}, {permutation}, {transposition}, {replacement}]
3: a tress of false hair used by women to give shape to a
coiffure
4: a device consisting of two movable rails and necessary
connections, used to turn a train from one track to
another or to store rolling stock
5: a flexible implement used for punishment
6: a basketball maneuver; two defensive players shift
assignments so that each guards the player usually guarded
by the other
7: the act of changing one thing or position for another; "his
switch on abortion cost him the election" [syn: {switching},
{shift}]
v 1: change over, change around, or switch over [syn: {switch
over}, {exchange}]
2: exchange or give (something) in exchange for [syn: {trade},
{swap}, {swop}]
3: lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; "switch to a
different brand of beer"; "She switched psychiatrists";
"The car changed lanes" [syn: {shift}, {change}]
4: make a shift in or exchange of; "First Joe led; then we
switched" [syn: {change over}, {shift}, {turn around}]
5: cause to go on or t be engaged; set in operation; "switch on
the light"; "throw the lever" [syn: {throw}, {flip}]
6: reverse, as of direction or attitude [syn: {interchange}, {alternate},
{flip}, {flip-flop}]