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

It can accommodate meals up to 13 inches in width and features a dial with nine preset cooking functions for easy operation.

From Popular-Science

In truth, the Texans’ behavior this season tells us more about the NFL’s preset dehumanization than any encouraging video Goodell could make.

From Washington Post

Most budget-friendly options will come in countertop form and come with basic presets like defrost and express cooking.

From Popular-Science

It features six presets, rather than sliders, so it’s an imperfect science.

From TechCrunch

If you want to use image presets, they also typically work much better on raw files.

From Popular-Science

To easily switch between sounds, the organ is outfitted with dozens of preset buttons like the kind found in old radios.

From The Daily Beast

While it came with multiple different preset control styles, it was still an inferior system.

From The Daily Beast

Most devices ship with a standard preset username/password pair, which should be reset to a unique key.

From The Daily Beast

I preset two forward radiators for forty kilometers at low condensation, with a three kilometer radius at surface.

From Project Gutenberg

The gyros on each projectile had been preset for a circular flight of fifteen minutes' duration.

From Project Gutenberg

Were an apology necessary for the preset work, such statements as these would be amply sufficient.

From Project Gutenberg

His eye swept his panel, to see if anything had been preset.

From Project Gutenberg