Crossword clues for switchboard
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
The Collaborative International Dictionary
switchboard \switch"board`\ n.
an elctrical apparatus consisting predominantly of a panel on which are switches or other means of completing electrical circuits; -- used especially for the devices used in telephone exchanges. See sense
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2. (Telephone) An apparatus containing switches by means of which a connection may be made from an incoming telephone line to any one of numerous outgoing lines. The switches may be either mechanical or electronic, and the switching action may be automatic, controlled by signals in the incoming call, or manual, controlled by a switchboard operator. In older style manual switchboards, the circuits were connected by the use of patchcords, inserted into plugs.
Syn: patchboard, plugboard, telephone exchange.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
Wiktionary
n. 1 (context telecommunications English) The electronic panel that is used to direct telephone calls to the desired recipient. 2 (context electronics English) A device that directs electricity from one source to another.
WordNet
n. telephone central where circuits are completed with patchcords [syn: patchboard, plugboard]
Wikipedia
The term switchboard, when used by itself, may refer to:
- Telephone switchboard
- Electrical controls:
- Electric switchboard in industrial applications like electricity generation
- Distribution board in residential and commercial applications
- Printed circuit board
- Mixing console
- Switchboard of Miami, a nonprofit organization offering hotline, informational and referral services in Miami, Florida
- Switchboard (UK), formerly known as the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard, a helpline for the LGBT+ persons in the UK
Switchboard is the oldest gay and lesbian telephone help line in the United Kingdom, based in London.
Switchboard was founded in March 1974 as the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard, providing help and information to London's gay community. Since then, it has expanded considerably to more than 30,000 callers each year. Today, Switchboard as it is affectionately known, provides a listening service for people to discuss their feelings in an impartial and non-judgemental way, as well as information and advice for going out in London and the UK. Switchboard also operates an internet database of LGBT+ organisations in the UK known as "queery".
In 2008, Switchboard was the recipient of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. The organisation was invited and accepted to go to Buckingham Palace to collect the award. In 2014, Queen Elizabeth II acknowledged the 40th anniversary of the organisation's founding, marking the first time she has had any involvement, voiced support or recognised an LGBT charity during her reign, and indeed the first time the Crown has ever publicly supported the LGBT community. LLGS received a comment from the Queen saying: “Best wishes and congratulations to all concerned on this most special anniversary.”
Switchboard rebranded to its current name in 2015 to emphasize inclusion for persons of all sexual orientation and gender identities, and that its services are not limited to London.
Usage examples of "switchboard".
Azure said tersely, and went on to explain that the living switchboards enabled members of the Associative to stay in touch with each other over considerable distances.
The Enochian metagrammar parsers do their thing and the damned souls or enchained demons or whatever on switchboard hiss louder then connect the circuit.
Returning hastily after a vain glance up and down the dark street outside, Spooner hunted for the missing switchboard man.
There was a stim block strapped to each wrist with lines going to a switchboard of receptors and a row of timedose dermals running all the way up to his biceps.
Gertie, the telephone operator, flashed him a glance from eyes that were starry, as she reached for the switchboard to notify Bill Brakey that The Kid was on his way up.
They were simple enough to him, who had made a career of working with alien mechanisms, but to Gibbs they looked like a miniature powerhouse switchboard.
Warden said thinly, indicating the switchboard, and grinned at him wildly slyly.
While the Hoka at the switchboard in far-off Mixumaxu routed his beam, he licked dry lips and ran a shaky finger under his collar.
Then he drove on to the police station and put a call in to Vallance through the Scotland Yard switchboard.
Behind him the watchkeeper on the electrical switchboard was grinning, waiting for it, and the PO sitting in front of the boiler panels - a console of switches, dials and indicator lights - had an ear cocked too.
Police switchboards became jammed with calls of sightings by nervous citizens.
Selmer tried several times to get through to Washington, and to Donald Firenza, but the telephone switchboards were constantly busy.
It was flanked with an impressive array of technology, several telephones, an intercom system, a switchboard, and - behind him - just visible from where she stood looking plaintive, an array of video-screens.
Colonel Huark sat in his bunker, staring at the small touchpad linked to the switchboard, and his fingers twitched as he thought of the mass death awaiting his touch.
Anita was gone for the evening, and the switchboard routed everything to voicemail after 5:00, but the light that was flashing was for her private line.