The mechanism that opens and closes the phone line to a phone. It is typically located at the top of the phone's base (and therefore beneath the phone's receiver) and is released by the act of removing the handset from the cradle, hence the term "off-hook." Host 1) A computer system that provides service features to other computers. Used in this context, any computer that acts as a server can be considered a host, whether on the Internet or a Local Area Network (LAN). 2) The provision of a computer to house a web server for one or several web sites.

Mechanical or electrical switch used to terminate a call. The handset usually depresses the hookswitch when it is returned to the cradle.

The device on which the telephone receiver hangs or rests when not in use.

Switch contacts inside the telephone which remove the telephone from the line circuit when the handset is on-hook.

The mechanical or electrical switch that terminates a call. The handset usually depresses the hookswitch when it is returned to the cradle.

The switch that connects or disconnects the device from the phone line. On a telephone, for example, this is the switch that is automatically activated when a user lifts the receiver from the cradle to get a new dial tone.