Agency Dictionary

Console

noun

In Portuguese: Console

What does “Console” mean?

A text-based command interface inside computer software where system operators and players enter manual code commands. In video games, opening the console allows users to modify internal variables and enter cheats.

Etymology

From French console, "bracket, support", a word of uncertain origin; it has been explained as a shortening of consolateur, a name for the carved figures that supported cornices and shelves, but the explanation is not secure. English took the word in the 18th century for an ornamental bracket and for the table fixed to a wall. In the 20th century it passed to the cabinet of a radio or organ, to the desk with the controls of a machine, and from the operator's desk of early computers to the text window where commands are typed.

Usage note

The noun is stressed on the first syllable. In gaming the word also names the machine itself (a game console), a different sense from the command window inside a game.

Synonyms

command line
terminal
command prompt
shell

Often confused with

console (verb): The verb to console, "to comfort", is stressed on the second syllable and comes from Latin consolari; it is unrelated to the noun.

Usage examples

The catch though is that because it is a game, it is very easy for players to open the console, type the cheat code “motherlode" and instantly get 50.000 simoleons (the game currency).

Concepts

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.17 - SportsmanshipJune 26, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

Mazenoun: A complex network of interconnected paths, passages, or obstacles designed to puzzle and challenge navigation.
Buttonnoun: A physical or graphical control element that triggers an immediate action or command when pressed or clicked. In software interfaces, buttons communicate system affordances through visual boundaries and labels.
Screennoun: A flat physical display surface on an electronic device that projects visual images, interfaces, and text to a viewer. It serves as the primary visual output medium for modern personal computers and mobile phones.
Rendernoun: A finished two-dimensional image or video generated from a three-dimensional mathematical scene by computer software. It synthesizes geometric coordinates, lighting algorithms, textures, and shading into final pixels.
syntheticadjective: Produced by artificial or chemical synthesis rather than originating from natural or organic processes.
androidnoun: A robot or synthetic organism designed to possess human form, movement, or intelligent behavior.
aqueductnoun: An engineered conduit or bridge designed to convey water from distant freshwater springs into urban centers using gravity flow.
Assistantnoun: A person or computational software program that provides aid, support, or automated services to facilitate work and handle routine tasks.
asynchronousadjective: Not occurring at the same time or coordinated simultaneously, describing workflows or interactions handled independently across time.
binaryadjective: Relating to or composed of two things, specifically a computational numbering system using base two digits.
Compassnoun: A navigational instrument equipped with a magnetized needle indicating magnetic north and other cardinal directions. Metaphorically, it designates an ethical principle or core belief providing personal guidance.

Also from these editions: terms

Allegiancenoun: Loyalty, commitment, or devoted obligation felt by an individual toward a nation, cause, sovereign, or athletic club. It creates emotional cohesion and enduring solidarity across social communities.
Athletenoun: A person trained to compete in exercises, games, or sports requiring physical strength, speed, stamina, or agility. Athletes submit to rigorous discipline to achieve optimal somatic and tactical performance.
Fallacynoun: A mistaken belief or a flaw in reasoning that renders an argument invalid, misleading, or logically unsound. While superficially plausible, fallacious logic fails under rigorous rational scrutiny.
Guiltnoun: A remorseful emotional feeling arising from the awareness or belief of having done something wrong or failed an obligation. In sports, athletes often feel acute guilt after making a costly mistake in competition.
Motherlodenoun: A principal geological vein of rich gold or silver ore, or metaphorically a massive source of sudden wealth and luck. In gaming culture, it famously represents the cheat command that awards instant money.
Opponentnoun: A rival person or team competing against another in a contest, sport, game, or debate. In ethical sportsmanship, opponents challenge each other to elevate shared standards of mastery.
Refereenoun: An official presiding over a sporting match or game who enforces the rules, makes binding disciplinary decisions, and maintains fair play. The referee ensures player safety and preserves competitive order.
Simnoun: A virtual human character or simulated autonomous agent controlled by a player inside a life simulation game. A Sim possesses unique personality traits, biological needs, aspirations, and interpersonal relationships.
Simoleonnoun: An informal American slang term for a dollar, famously adopted as the fictional currency denomination within The Sims video game franchise. In simulation games, it is earned through jobs and spent on assets.
Trophynoun: A decorative commemorative object, such as a cup, plaque, or sculpture, awarded to a victor as a tangible symbol of athletic conquest. It marks supreme accomplishment at the conclusion of a tournament.
Whistlenoun: A small wind instrument that produces a loud, high-pitched acoustic sound when blown by an official. In sports, it serves as the authoritative auditory signal to halt play, resume action, or penalize fouls.