Text on 9 Keys (T9)

A type of predictive text input software that comes pre-loaded on many mobile phones to make text message writing easier. With this system, the user does not have to select letters individually by pressing each key numerous times (i.e press 2 once for A, twice for B, three times for C, and so on). Instead, the user simply presses the relevant key once for each letter and the software 'guesses' the correct word. If this word is not correct, the user can press another key to cycle through the alternatives.

For example, the key combination 269 (ABC, MNO, WXYZ) could spell Amy, Any, Bow, Box, Boy, Cow, Cox or Coy.

See also Predictive Text.