A computer input device (like the keyboard) which fits into one hand, rolls around on the desktop, and is typically attached to the computer by a thin cable (the mouse’s “tail”). Cordless mice are now available which use radio or infrared transmission to communicate with the computer. The mouse is used as a “pointing” device to move the cursor on the cathode ray tube (CRT) or other type screen. It has two or three buttons which can be “clicked” to make selections presented on the screen. Mouse travel is measured in units called “mickeys,” each unit being equal to approximately .005 inch. Software which makes extensive use of mouse input is often referred to as having a “point and shoot” interface. The increasing popularity of the “GUI” (graphical user interface) has also resulted in increased mouse usage.
A small rodent of the genus Mus. Mice are used extensively in research.