[ball] n, often attrib [ME bal, fr. ON bollr; akin to OE bealluc testis, OHG balla ball, OE blawan to blow] (13c) 1: a round or roundish body or mass: as a: a spherical or ovoid body used in a game or sport b: earth, globe c: a spherical or conical projectile; also: projectiles used in firearms d: a roundish protuberant anatomic structure; esp: the rounded eminence at the base of the thumb or big toe
2. a: testis--often considered vulgar b pl (1): nonsense--often used interjectionally--often considered vulgar (2): nerve 3--often considered vulgar
3: a game in which a ball is thrown, kicked, or struck; also: quality of play in such a game
4. a: a pitch not swung at by the batter that fails to pass through the strike zone b: a hit or thrown ball in various games "foul ~" -- on the ball 1: competent, knowledgeable, alert "the other introductory essay ... is much more on the ball --Times Lit. Supp." "keep on the ball"
2: of ability or competence "if the teacher has something on the ball, the pupils won't squirm much --New Yorker"
[2]ball vt (1658) 1: to form or gather into a ball "~ed the paper into a wad"
2: to have sexual intercourse with--usu. considered vulgar ~ vi 1: to form or gather into a ball
2: to engage in sexual intercourse--usu. considered vulgar [3]ball n [F bal, fr. OF, fr. baller to dance, fr. LL ballare, fr. Gk ballizein] (ca. 1639) 1: a large formal gathering for social dancing
2: a very pleasant experience: a good time