a round handle that you turn to open or close a door.
Compound of 'door' (Old English 'duru') and 'knob' (possibly from German 'Knauf'). The term became common only in the 1800s after doorknobs replaced latches and handles.
Doorknobs are one of the most contaminated objects in any building—studies show they transfer more germs than toilet seats—yet we touch them thousands of times without thinking, making them a hidden superhighway for viruses.
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