ball

ball

ball¹ [bôl]

n.

[ME bal < OE * beallu < IE base * bhel-, to swell > BOWL¹, BLADDER, ON bǫllr, OHG balla, Gr phallos, L follis & flare]

1. any round, or spherical, object; sphere; globe

2. a planet or star, esp. the earth

3.

a) a round or egg-shaped object used in various games

b) any of several such games, esp. baseball

4. a throw or pitch of a ball

5.

a) a solid missile or projectile for a cannon or firearm

b) such projectiles for firearms, collectively

6. a rounded part of the body [the ball of the foot]

7. Slang

a) Vulgar a testicle usually used in pl.

b) [pl.] daring or courage

☆ 8. Baseball a pitch that is wide of the plate or goes above the armpit (or shoulder in slow-pitch softball) or below the knee of the batter, who does not swing at it: four balls allow the batter to go to first base

9. Hort. the roots of a plant, bound and packed for shipping

vi., vt.

1. to form into a ball

2. [Vulgar Slang] to have sexual intercourse (with)

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ball up [see BOLLIX]

☆ Slang to muddle or bungle

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☆ be on the ball

Slang to be alert; be efficient

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☆ carry the ball

Informal to assume responsibility; take command

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☆ get the ball rolling or keep the ball rolling

Informal to start (or maintain) some action

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☆ have something on the ball

Slang to have ability

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play ball

☆ 1. to begin or resume playing a ballgame

☆ 2. to begin or resume any activity

☆ 3. Informal to cooperate

ball² [bôl]

n.

[Fr bal < OFr baller, to dance < LL ballare < Gr ballein, to throw (with sense of ballizein, to dance, jump about) < IE base * gwel-, to drip, spring forth, throw > Ger quelle, a spring]

1. a formal social dance

2. Slang an enjoyable time, event, or experience