ENGLISH
REFERENCE

switchboard

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈswɪtʃˌbɔɹd// UK //swˈɪtʃbɔːd// switch·board

n. a piece of equipment that connects telephone calls or electrical circuits. In a hospital or office, it is the central point where you call for help or information.

n. a central point of connection for electrical circuits or telephone lines. In a medical or administrative context, it refers to the central station for receiving and directing calls or emergency requests.


SIMPLE

Please call the switchboard for help with your room key.

CONTEXTUAL

The nurse called the switchboard to request an immediate transfer to the intensive care unit.

COMPLEX

Modern digital systems have largely replaced the manual switchboard, though the term remains in common use to describe the central hub of a hospital's communication network.

Synonyms
Origin

From switch + board.

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