# mechanical mouse

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A pointing device which uses a ball to detect movement.

## Etymology
Retronym for mouse, coined after the invention of the optical mouse to refer specifically to the type of mouse existing before then.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/mechanical-mouse