preset

[ verb adjective pree-set; noun pree-set ]

verb (used with object)

, pre·set, pre·set·ting.

1. to set beforehand.
2. to set (an electric or electronic appliance) to become activated at a designated time:

   We preset the coffeemaker to go on at 6 a.m.

3. to adjust (a connector, switch, or the like) so that when activated it will perform a designated function:

   The tuning buttons on the radio are preset to my favorite FM stations.

adjective

1. set in advance:

   a preset radio adjusted to receive certain stations.

2. (of the guidance system of a missile or the course of flight it determines) set before launching to reach a specific destination without any alteration in response to signals from the ground.

noun

1. a knob or button that activates a preset appliance:

   Just push the preset and coffee will be ready when you get up.

2. a similar device on a radio that can be activated to tune in a preselected station.

preset

/ prɪˈsɛt /

verb

1. to set (a timing device) so that something begins to operate at the time specified

noun

1. electronics a control, such as a variable resistor, that is not as accessible as the main controls and is used to set initial conditions

Other Words From

• pre·setta·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preset¹

First recorded in 1930–35; pre- + set

Example Sentences

Most of the extras hearing-aid companies tout today include adjustments for comfort, clarity, speech and ambient sound, but few users will rely on any of these settings three months into wearing them, opting instead to default to the hearing aid’s preset settings.

From Salon

Buyers had even less power to bargain — finding their own representative’s payment preset by the other side of the transaction.

From Los Angeles Times

Speed is an explosive event, with climbers going up a preset route.

From Seattle Times

Consequently, fusion researchers have had to preset the shape and amplitude of the magnetic perturbations ahead of each fusion run, losing the ability to make real-time adjustments.

From Science Daily

The ascender of the Chang’e-6 probe lifted off Tuesday morning Beijing time and entered a preset orbit around the moon, the China National Space Administration said.

From Seattle Times