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Mouseover Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mouseover

[ˈmaʊsˌoʊvər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

computer technology

A graphical user interface element that is activated when the mouse pointer hovers over it, typically displaying additional information or options.

Synonyms

hover, mouse hover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mouseover

Depending on the audience, interchangeable with 'mouseover' in technical contexts. While similar, it might come across as redundant.

  • Ensure the dropdown menu opens on a mouseover.
hover

Used in both technical and non-technical contexts. In web design, it refers to the effect when a user moves their mouse over an element. In everyday language, it can describe anything that stays in a place without moving much.

  • The text enlarges when you hover over the image.
  • The helicopter will hover over the landing zone.
mouse hover

Less commonly used term, generally understood but might be seen in tutorials or less formal technical documentation. It describes the action of moving the mouse pointer over an element.

  • On mouse hover, the tooltip appears.

Examples of usage

  • The website has interactive features such as tooltips that appear on mouseover.
  • Hovering over the image triggers a pop-up with more details.
Context #2 | Noun

web development

A JavaScript event that occurs when the user moves the mouse pointer over an element.

Synonyms

onmouseover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mouseover

When used as a verb in everyday speech among developers, it describes the act of moving the mouse pointer over an element.

  • Just mouseover the image to see the tooltip.
  • When you mouseover the link, it changes color.
onmouseover

Used specifically in HTML and JavaScript as an attribute or event handler to specify an action when the mouse pointer moves over an element on the webpage.

  • Hover over me!
  • You can add an onmouseover attribute to a button to make it interactive.

Examples of usage

  • The mouseover event can be used to trigger animations on a webpage.
  • The dropdown menu expands upon mouseover.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To move the mouse pointer over a particular object on a computer screen.

Synonyms

hover over, point at.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mouseover

This word is also used in programming and web development, similar to 'mouseenter'. It often refers to the event when the mouse pointer moves enter a certain element and remains there.

  • The page should display additional information on mouseover.
  • With mouseover, you can control intricate navigational elements on the webpage.
hover over

Commonly used in regular conversation and informal writing to describe the action of holding the cursor over something without clicking.

  • When you hover over the icon, a menu will appear.
  • Just hover over the picture to see more details.
point at

This phrase is used more generally in everyday language to indicate directing attention or a physical object at something. It is less specific to digital contexts.

  • Can you point at the diagram that shows the process?
  • He pointed at the screen to show where the error was.

Examples of usage

  • You can mouseover the icon to reveal its function.
  • Mouseover the text to see the hyperlink.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • The term originated from the early days of computer interfaces, where graphical elements responded to the mouse pointer's position.
  • Mouseover effects improve user experience by making websites interactive, often leading to better navigation and engagement.
  • Different mouseover effects can be implemented using various programming languages like JavaScript and CSS, enhancing how websites function.

User Interface Design

  • Mouseovers are critical in UI design because they provide immediate feedback, helping users understand what actions they can take.
  • Designers often use color changes or tooltips that appear on mouseover to guide users without overwhelming them with information.
  • Well-designed mouseover effects can make an interface feel more dynamic and responsive, creating a pleasant interaction experience.

Historical Context

  • Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) popularized mouseover effects in the 1980s and 1990s as personal computers became mainstream.
  • With the advent of the World Wide Web, mouseover techniques became a fundamental aspect of website design and interactivity.
  • Early mouseovers were simpler compared to today's elaborate animations, reflecting the evolving nature of software and hardware capabilities.

Cognitive Psychology

  • Mouseovers leverage the brain's ability to process visual information quickly, enhancing cognitive responses in a digital environment.
  • Research shows that interactive elements like mouseovers can increase user retention and information recall.

Pop Culture

  • Mouseover phrases have entered the tech lexicon, often associated with gaming and online platforms for enhanced interactions.
  • Mouseover has become a staple across social media sites, influencing how content creators engage with their audiences.

Origin of 'mouseover'

The term 'mouseover' originated in the early days of graphical user interfaces and web development, referring to the action of moving the mouse pointer over an object to trigger a response. It has become a common term in computer technology and is widely used in web design to create interactive elements. The concept of mouseover events has evolved with the advancement of technology, allowing for more dynamic and responsive user interfaces.

See also: mice, mouse.