Word: Hopper
Part of Speech: Noun
Basic Definition: 1. In baseball, a "hopper" is a type of hit where the ball travels along the ground. 2. A "hopper" can also refer to a plant-eating insect, like a grasshopper, which has strong hind legs that allow it to jump or leap. 3. In machinery, a "hopper" is a funnel-shaped container that holds materials. The contents of the hopper move down by gravity into another container or machine below. 4. A "hopper" can also refer to a person, especially a child, who hops while playing hopscotch.
Usage Instructions: - Baseball Context: Use "hopper" when talking about a ground ball hit during a game. - Insect Context: Use "hopper" when referring to insects that jump, like grasshoppers. - Machinery Context: Use "hopper" when discussing equipment that stores or dispenses materials. - Play Context: Use "hopper" when discussing children playing games that involve hopping.
Examples: 1. Baseball: "He hit a hopper that rolled past the infielders." 2. Insect: "Look at that grasshopper! It's one of the biggest hoppers I've ever seen." 3. Machinery: "The worker filled the hopper with grains before starting the machine." 4. Play: "The best hoppers in our class are the ones who can jump the farthest in hopscotch."
Advanced Usage: - In baseball analysis, one might say, "The batter's technique resulted in a low hopper that surprised the fielders." - In entomology, a scientist might study the jumping mechanisms of different hoppers.
Word Variants: - Hopping (verb): The action of jumping. - Hopped (verb): The past tense of hop.
Different Meanings: - Beyond the definitions provided, "hopper" can also refer to a person who engages in activities that require jumping or moving quickly.
Synonyms: - For the insect context: Grasshopper - For the baseball context: Ground ball - For the machine context: Chute
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly include "hopper," but you might encounter phrases like "hop to it," which means to start doing something quickly.
Summary: The word "hopper" can refer to a type of baseball hit, a jumping insect, a machine component, or a person who hops.