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[tuhch-pad] /ˈtʌtʃˌpæd/
a computer input device for controlling the pointer on a display screen by sliding the finger along a touch-sensitive surface: used chiefly in laptop computers.
1990-95 Unabridged
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Examples from the web for touchpad
  • The new meter system will also include an outside touchpad to conform to current meter reading requirements.
  • The touchpad located outside allows us to read your meter without having to gain access to the meter itself.
  • We also note that merely placing the shifter on a touchpad does not make the original equipment inoperative.
  • The touchpad has programmable keys for timing the cooking of specific items and a multiple portion cooking time adjustment key.
touchpad in Technology
(Or "trackpad") A stationary pointing device used mainly on laptop computers. Touchpads provide a small, flat surface that you slide your finger over using the same movements as you would a mouse. They were originally developed to provide a more natural and intuitive connection for the computer user than the mouse.
Touchpads use a principle called coupling capacitance, and requires a conductive pointer such as a finger. They contain a two-layer grid of electrodes which are connected to an integrated circuit (IC) mounted under the pad. The upper layer contains vertical electrode strips while the lower layer is composed of horizontal electrode strips. Capacitance from each of the horizontal electrodes to each of the vertical electrodes is measured by the IC. A finger near the intersection of two electrodes modifies the capacitance between them, since a finger has very different dielectric properties than air. The position of the finger is precisely determined based on these changes at various locations.
According to one correspondent, you can use any part of your body, which is not surprising, but not a McDonalds Chicken McCrispy. You can use reheated Pizza Hut Christmas Pizza though.
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