How Do You Spell DROP-DOWN?

Pronunciation: [dɹˈɒpdˈa͡ʊn] (IPA)

The term "drop-down" is commonly used in computer programming and refers to a menu that appears when a user clicks on a button or link. The spelling of "drop-down" is consistent with English phonetics, with the "d" sound being represented by the letter "d" and the "p" and "b" sounds being distinguished by their respective letters. The "ow" sound in the second syllable is correctly represented by the combination of letters "ow", and the stress falls on the first syllable. Therefore, the IPA transcription for "drop-down" is /drɒpˌdaʊn/.

DROP-DOWN Meaning and Definition

  1. Drop-down is an adjective used to describe a user interface element or feature that presents a list of options that can be revealed by clicking or hovering over a button or icon. It refers to a menu or list that "drops down" from its initial hidden position, typically appearing below or above the button or icon that activates it. Drop-down menus are widely used in various software applications and websites as a way to provide a compact and organized way of displaying multiple options without cluttering the screen or interface.

    The drop-down feature allows users to quickly access additional choices or functions without navigating away from the current page or screen. When activated, a drop-down menu typically appears as a vertical list of selectable items, where users can make a selection by clicking or hovering over an option. The list then "drops up" or "hides" again when the user clicks outside the menu area or selects an option.

    Drop-down menus are commonly used for navigation purposes, enabling users to access different sections of a website or application from a single page. They are also used to present a range of choices, such as selecting a specific date, sorting options, language preferences, or filtering settings. The content of a drop-down menu can vary depending on the context and purpose, offering flexibility in presenting information and enhancing user experience.

Common Misspellings for DROP-DOWN

  • dropdown
  • drop down
  • drop-0down
  • drop-pdown
  • dropmdown
  • drop-dewwn
  • drop-duewn

Etymology of DROP-DOWN

The term "drop-down" originated in the mid-20th century and combines two separate words: "drop" and "down".

The word "drop" comes from the Old English word "dropa" which means "a small quantity of liquid". Later, it expanded in meaning to refer to the action of falling or descending from a higher to a lower position.

The word "down" also has Old English roots, derived from "dune", meaning "downwards" or "from a higher to a lower position".

In the context of user interface design, "drop-down" refers to a graphical control element that allows users to choose an option from a list that drops down when activated. The term describes the action of the list dropping down from its primary position, combining the sense of falling or descending ("drop") and moving to a lower position ("down").