Definition of the word toggle

The word "toggle" comes from the Old Norse word "toggl," which means "a knob" or "handle." The Viking explorers and traders used this word to describe a knob-like device used to operate medieval door latch mechanisms. In Old English, this word was "tyglaeca," meaning "latch puller." However, as the word traveled through the Middle Ages, it evolved into "togle" in the Middle English language that developed after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The modern-day meaning of "toggle" is still tied to its historical roots. A toggle today is a small control device that operates by pivoting or sliding. It's often found in switches, latch mechanisms, and modern-day computer input devices such as keyboards and touchpads. The versatility and reliability of toggle mechanisms have made them a standard component in many applications, from power tools to computer peripherals. Their simplicity and ease of use also make them a favorite choice in many electrical and mechanical designs.