joystick

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a lever used by a pilot to control the ailerons and elevators of an airplane
noun a manual control consisting of a vertical handle that can move freely in two directions; used as an input device to computers or to devices controlled by computers

From joy + stick. First attested around 1910 (as joy-stick) as the control stick on an airplane. Its relation to the word joy is unclear.

He pushed the joystick control on his wheelchair and steered over to read Homosoto's message. — Terminal Compromise, Winn Schwartau
The joystick works the same way.” “But you don’t pedal it.” “No,” I said, “I guess you don’t pedal it.” “Let’s lay off that,” Bill said. — The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway

stick, control stick

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