pinball

English

noun
Definitions
  • (games) A game, played on a device with a sloping base, in which the player operates a spring-loaded plunger to shoot a ball, between obstacles, and attempts to hit targets and score points.
  • The ball used in pinball.
  • (figuratively) A situation where a ball is frantically kicked between many players.

Etymology

Compound from English pin + English ball (testicle, round object).

Origin

English

ball

Gloss

testicle, round object

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms