sliders

Sliders is a term that appears in several different contexts, often related to something small or to motion along a path. The common thread is movement along a guide or a sense of compact size, though the exact meaning varies by field.

In cuisine, sliders are small sandwiches typically served on miniature buns with a single portion of filling, such as a beef patty. They are commonly presented as appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, or casual fare at gatherings and restaurants. The concept emerged in American dining in the 20th century and has since diversified into many regional and ingredient variations, including chicken, pork, fish, and vegetarian options.

In engineering and mechanics, a slider refers to a component that moves along a straight guide or track. Slider systems are found in drawer slides, linear motion guides, and slider-crank mechanisms, where the slider converts or constrains motion with reduced friction. Materials commonly used for sliders include metal and various plastics, often with lubrication to improve performance.

In digital interfaces, a slider is a graphical control that allows users to adjust a numeric value by dragging a handle along a track. Sliders can be oriented horizontally or vertically and are widely used for adjusting volume, brightness, or selecting a range. Design considerations include accessibility and responsiveness across devices.

Other uses include sliding puzzles, a family of puzzles where tiles slide within a frame to be repositioned, and Sliders, a science fiction television series from the 1990s about travelers who move between alternate dimensions.