I. ˈpelə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English pelet, pelote, from Middle French pelote, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin pilota, diminutive of Latin pila ball — more at pill
1.
a. : a usually small round or spherical body : a little ball
b. : a small cylindrical chunk of compressed feeding stuffs used for livestock, poultry, or pets to avoid waste and to increase the attractiveness of the food
c. : a small cylindrical or ovoid compressed mass (as of a hormone) for implantation in muscular tissues
d. : a wad or bolus of indigestible material (as bones and other resistant remains of prey) regurgitated by a carnivorous bird
e. : a small firm mass of dung (as that dropped by a mouse or rabbit)
2.
a. : a usually stone ball used as a missile (as in a mangonel) during later medieval times
b. : cannonball
c. : a ball for firearms : bullet
d.
(1) : one of a charge of small shot
pellets of buckshot
(2) : a piece of small shot fired singly (as from a BB gun)
pellet gun
e. : an imitation bullet (as of cork, paper, wax) for use in a popgun
3. heraldry : a roundel sable : ogress , gunstone
4.
a. : a circular boss in decorative work
b. : bead 4g
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1.
a. : to form into pellets
b. : to coat (seeds) with soluble adhesive material mixed with plant foods and protective substances to facilitate planting and promote growth
2. : to strike with pellets : throw pellets at