päästikule

Päästikule is a Finnish term that translates to "trigger" in English. It most commonly refers to the mechanism on a firearm that, when pulled, initiates the firing sequence. This mechanism is a critical component of any firearm, allowing the user to control when the weapon discharges. The design and complexity of triggers can vary significantly between different types of firearms, from simple single-action triggers to more intricate double-action or set triggers.

Beyond its literal meaning in firearms, the term päästikule can also be used metaphorically in Finnish to describe an action or event that initiates a chain reaction or sets something in motion. For example, a political decision might be referred to as the päästikule for a series of subsequent developments. In this broader sense, it signifies the starting point or catalyst of a process. The context in which the word is used is crucial for understanding whether it refers to the mechanical trigger of a weapon or its figurative meaning as an initiator.