"ballpoint" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
A ballpoint pen is a writing instrument that has a small metal ball at the tip which distributes ink from a cartridge as it rolls against the paper. The term "ballpoint" refers to this distinctive feature. It was invented as an alternative to fountain pens, providing a more reliable and mess-free writing experience.
1. I need to buy a new ballpoint pen because my old one has run out of ink.
2. Students were asked to bring ballpoint pens for the multiple-choice exam to avoid smudging.
3. The signature on the contract was made with a sleek silver ballpoint pen.
4. In prison, inmates often trade homemade contraband ballpoint pens as a form of currency.
5. She preferred using a ballpoint pen for note-taking during lectures as it glided smoothly across the paper.
A "ballotin" is a small box or container, typically made of paper or cardboard, used for holding ballots or votes in an election. It is often associated with the process of secret voting, where voters cast their choices privately by placing their ballots inside the ballotin. The term can also refer to the act of enclosing or putting ballots into such a container.
"Ballotine" is a culinary term that refers to a boned and rolled piece of meat, poultry, or fish, usually stuffed with a filling and then tied or wrapped in a parchment or bacon to hold its shape during cooking. It can also be used to describe a similar preparation with vegetables or fruits. The dish is typically served sliced and is known for its elegant presentation.
Balloting refers to the process of voting, typically in an election or a contest, where people express their choice or opinion by casting ballots. It involves the distribution and collection of ballots, which are the physical or electronic means used to record a voter's selection. Balloting can also refer to the act of drawing lots or randomly selecting winners in a lottery or similar event.
"Ballots" refers to the physical or electronic voting slips used in an election or poll. They typically contain a list of candidates or options that voters choose from by marking or selecting their preferred choice. Ballots are collected and counted to determine the outcome of the election or vote.
Ballottement is a medical term used to describe a diagnostic technique in obstetrics, where a healthcare provider gently bounces or taps the孕妇's abdomen to assess the position and size of the fetus. It helps determine the presentation, maturity, and mobility of the fetus, as well as the amount of amniotic fluid present. The term is primarily associated with prenatal exams and is not commonly used in everyday language.
"Ballottine" is a French term used in cooking, particularly in butchery and culinary arts. It refers to a method of preparing a stuffed and rolled meat, such as chicken, veal, or pork. The meat is boned, flattened, filled with a stuffing, then rolled and tied or sewn shut before being cooked. This technique results in an elegant and flavorful dish that can be served as an entrée or in smaller portions as an appetizer.
"Ballpark" is an informal term that refers to an approximate or estimated value, often used when a precise figure is not available or not necessary. It can also refer to a general range or area, as in "We're looking at a ballpark figure of $10,000 for the project" or "The solution lies somewhere in the ballpark of those options." The term originates from the idea of estimating the distance of a ball flying in a baseball stadium, where giving an exact measurement may not be essential but a rough estimate is sufficient.
A ballpen is a writing instrument that uses a small ball at the tip to dispense ink onto paper. It is also commonly known as a ballpoint pen. The ball in the tip rolls as you write, allowing the ink to flow smoothly and create a line on the paper. Ballpens are widely used and convenient for everyday writing due to their reliability and ease of use.