ballpoint
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A writing instrument that dispenses ink through a small, rotating metal ball at its tip onto a writing surface.
Usage
- The word "ballpoint" is used to refer to a common, everyday pen. It is often used in its full form, "ballpoint pen," but "ballpoint" alone functions as a noun.
- It is a countable noun (e.g., , ).
Examples
- Noun:
- Please sign the form with a black ballpoint.
- I always lose my ballpoints.
- The contract requires a signature in ballpoint ink.
Advanced Usage
- "ballpoint" as a modifier: The term can be used attributively to describe other nouns.
- ballpoint refill (a replacement ink cartridge for a ballpoint pen).
- ballpoint handwriting (the style of writing produced by such a pen).
Variants and Related Words
- Ballpoint pen: The full, more common term.
- Biro: A proprietary name (from the inventor László Bíró) that is often used generically, especially in British English.
- Ballpen: A common variant, especially in Asian English.
Synonyms
- Biro (trademark, common noun)
- Ballpen
- Ball-point pen
Antonyms
- Fountain pen: A pen that uses liquid ink drawn from a reservoir.
- Gel pen: A pen that uses a water-based gel ink.
- Felt-tip pen: A pen with a porous tip.
Notes
- The invention of the ballpoint was a significant advancement over fountain pens, as it is less prone to leaking and can write on more surfaces.
- The key component is the ballpoint itself—a tiny metal sphere that rolls to pick up ink from a reservoir and deposit it on paper.
Noun
- a pen that has a small metal ball as the point of transfer of ink to paper