command key
    n 1: (computer science) the key on a computer keyboard that is
         used (in combination with some other key) to type control
         characters [syn: control key, command key]

command key
 n.

    [Mac users] Syn. feature key.

feature key
beanie key
clover key
command key
flower key
kyrka
pretzel key
propeller key

    (Or "flower", "pretzel", "clover", "propeller",
   "beanie" (from propeller beanie), splat, "command key") The
   Macintosh modifier key with the four-leaf clover graphic
   on its keytop.

   The feature key is the Mac's equivalent of a control key
   (and so labelled on some Mac II keyboards).  The proliferation
   of terms for this creature may illustrate one subtle peril of
   iconic interfaces.  Macs also have an "Option" modifier key,
   equivalent to Alt.

   The cloverleaf-like symbol's oldest name is "cross of
   St. Hannes", but it occurs in pre-Christian Viking art as a
   decorative motif.  In Scandinavia it marks sites of historical
   interest.  An early Macintosh developer who happened to be
   Swedish introduced it to Apple.  Apple documentation gives the
   translation "interesting feature".

   The symbol has a Unicode character called "PLACE OF INTEREST
   SIGN" (U+2318), previously known as "command key".

   The Swedish name of this symbol stands for the word
   "sev"ardhet" (interesting feature), many of which are old
   churches.  Some Swedes report as an idiom for it the word
   "kyrka", cognate to English "church" and Scots-dialect "kirk"
   but pronounced /shir'k*/ in modern Swedish.  Others say this
   is nonsense.

   <http://fileformat.info/info/unicode/char/2318/index.htm>.

   [Jargon File]

   (2005-09-15)