joystick
UK[ˈdʒɔɪstɪk]US[ˈdʒɔɪstɪk]
n
a lever that can be moved in several directions to control the movement of an image on a computer or television screen, especially in computer games
n
the control lever of an aircraft
Etymology
the term 'joystick' is a modern english compound, first appearing in the early 20th century. its initial application was in the field of aviation, where it referred to the control column of an aircraft. the name is whimsical, combining 'joy'—suggesting the pleasure or ease of control—with 'stick', describing its physical form as a lever. this metaphorical sense of a 'stick that brings joy' was later adopted in the mid-20th century for the analogous control device used with video games and computers, solidifying its place in technological vocabulary.
Analysis
the word is a compound formed from two english words, 'joy' and 'stick'. 'joy' is from middle english 'joye', from old french 'joie', from latin 'gaudia'. 'stick' is from old english 'sticca', meaning a rod or twig.
Examples
he gripped the joystick tightly as he navigated the spaceship through the asteroid field.
the pilot made a slight adjustment to the joystick to correct the plane's course.
for this flight simulator, you can use either a keyboard or a dedicated joystick for a more realistic experience.