Definition

Noun: A small, perforated, often spherical container, typically made of metal, used to hold loose tea leaves during the brewing process. It is designed to be submerged in hot water, allowing the water to flow through and infuse with the tea leaves while containing them for easy removal.

Usage

The tea ball is a tool for brewing individual servings of tea. It is filled with loose tea leaves, closed, and then placed in a cup or teapot of hot water. After the desired steeping time, the entire ball is removed, leaving the brewed tea free of leaves.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She placed the tea ball filled with Earl Grey leaves into her cup.
  • For a stronger flavor, use two teaspoons of leaves in the tea ball.
  • After steeping, he removed the tea ball and set it on the saucer.

Advanced Usage

• "to use a tea ball": The standard phrase for employing this utensil.
  • I prefer to use a tea ball rather than disposable paper filters.

Variants and Related Words

• Tea infuser (n): A broader term for any device used to hold loose tea leaves during brewing, which includes tea balls, spoon-shaped infusers, and basket infusers.
• Strainer (n): A general kitchen tool for separating solids from liquids. A tea ball performs a straining function but is a specific, contained infuser.

Synonyms

• Tea infuser: The most direct synonym.
• Tea egg: A colloquial term, especially for spherical infusers.

Related Phrases

• Loose-leaf tea: The type of tea designed for use with a tea ball or infuser, as opposed to tea bags.
  • Brewing loose-leaf tea with a tea ball often yields a superior flavor.

Noun

1. a kitchen utensil consisting of a perforated metal ball for making tea