Knob
A knob is a round handle you twist or pull. A "doorknob" is a round handle you turn to open a door. A "cabinet knob" is a small handle (usually round, but sometimes in other geometric or whimsical shapes) you pull to open a cabinet door or drawer. A "control knob" controls a device and may turn a lamp on and off or make the volume on a radio go up or down.
A knob can also be any small, round thing that sticks out, such as the protrusions on "knobby" tires or on the red-knobbed starfish.
A knob can also be any part of a mountain that sticks up or out in a noticable way.
Characteristics
The primary trait of a knob is that it is the right size to be grasped by the hand or fingers. It differs from a handle primarily in that it does not allow the whole hand to wrap around it, whereas a handle usually does; this provides a very firm grip, making a handle much more suited to lifting and carrying. Being round, knobs are best suited for twisting, as a doorknob or control knob.
Other uses
Knob may also refer to:
- In British English, a vulgarism for the penis
- In British English, a crude insult
See also
- Potentiometer - commonly used with knobs.