switchhook
Telephone cutoff lever
A switchhook is the lever or cradle on a telephone that the handset rests on.
Lifting the handset raises the switchhook and connects the call; replacing it lowers the hook and disconnects.
The term comes from early phones where a literal hook held the earpiece.
She slammed down the receiver, the switchhook clicking as the line went dead.
Sound indicating phone readiness
- disconnectTo break a connection
- hang upEnd telephone conversation
- flashBrief burst of light
- holdMaintain in grasp
transfer · pickup · answer · ring · busy signal · pulse · PBX · extension
dial tone
Sound indicating phone readiness
- disconnectTo break a connection
- hang upEnd telephone conversation
- flashBrief burst of light
hold · transfer · pickup · answer · ring · busy signal · pulse · PBX · extension · landline
receiver
One who accepts transmission
lever · handset · rest · contact · toggle · latch · pivot · depression · release · weight
flash
Brief burst of light
call waiting · timing · interval · break · make · loop · current