| ballistics |
(used with a sing. verb) the scientific study of the motion and properties of missiles such as bullets and rockets. [3 definitions] |
| ball joint |
a mechanical joint, often found in tools and machines, in which the ball-shaped end of a rod or pipe is fitted into a hollow socket, enabling the inserted part to rotate freely in any direction. |
| ball lightning |
a rare form of lightning manifested in the form of a glowing reddish ball, approximately six inches to a foot in diameter, that moves rapidly along the ground or in the air until it disintegrates. |
| ballocks |
(vulgar) the testicles. |
| balloon |
a large bag made of thin material designed to inflate and be lifted off the ground when filled with hot air or a gas that is lighter than air. [8 definitions] |
| balloon tire |
a wide tire with deep walls that is inflated with relatively low air pressure to cushion shocks or facilitate travel on sand. |
| ballot |
a piece of paper on which a voter enters his or her vote. [6 definitions] |
| ballpark |
an enclosed piece of land, with or without a roof, having stands for spectators and a playing field for ball games, esp. baseball. [2 definitions] |
| ballplayer |
one who plays any of several games that use a ball, esp. baseball. |
| ballpoint |
a pen that has a small ball in its tip which transfers ink from a reservoir to the writing surface; ballpoint pen. |
| ballroom |
a large room used for dancing, as in a hotel, club, or mansion. |
| ballroom dancing |
dancing performed by couples to a variety of social dances, such as the waltz, tango, or fox trot. |
| ballsy |
(vulgar slang) courageous, tough, or aggressive. |
| ballyhoo |
exaggerated, noisy, insistent advertising or publicity. [2 definitions] |
| balm |
a soothing, healing ointment, often fragrant. [4 definitions] |
| balm of Gilead |
any of several small evergreen trees native to western Asia and Africa. [2 definitions] |
| balmy |
soft, mild, and soothing. [3 definitions] |
| baloney |
(informal) bologna. [3 definitions] |
| balsa |
a tree of tropical America, the wood of which is extremely light in weight. [2 definitions] |
| balsam |
a fragrant oily or resinous substance exuded by some shrubs or trees, such as the balsam fir. [3 definitions] |
| balsam fir |
an evergreen tree of the pine family, native to Canada and the northeastern United States, which is cut for pulpwood and Christmas trees and from which Canada balsam is derived. |