HAND-HELD

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does hand-held mean? 

• HAND-HELD (adjective)
  The adjective HAND-HELD has 1 sense:

1. small and light enough to be operated while you hold it in your hands

  Familiarity information: HAND-HELD used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• HAND-HELD (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Small and light enough to be operated while you hold it in your hands

Classified under:

Participial adjectives

Synonyms:

hand-held; handheld

Context example:

a hand-held computer

Participle:

hold (have or hold in one's hands or grip)

 Context examples 

A hand-held mobile radiotelephone for use in an area divided into small sections (cells), each with its own short-range transmitter/receiver

(Cellular Telephone, NCI Thesaurus)

An exam of the inside of the back of the eye using a beam of light and a hand-held lens.

(Indirect ophthalmoscopy, NCI Dictionary)

A dental hand-held instrument that is used for exploring the tooth surface.

(Dental Explorer, NCI Thesaurus)