Definition

Noun: A spherical object, approximately the size of a human fist, specifically designed and manufactured for use in the sport of tennis. It is typically covered in a fibrous felt, which modifies its aerodynamic properties, and is pressurized to achieve its characteristic bounce.

Usage

The term "tennis ball" is used to refer to the essential piece of equipment in the sport of tennis. It is a count noun. - The player served the tennis ball with great speed. - We need a new can of tennis balls for the match. - The dog loves to chase a tennis ball in the park.

Advanced Usage

• As a standard for size or color: Due to its distinctive bright yellow/green color and standard size, "tennis ball" is sometimes used as a point of reference in other contexts.
  • The new paint color is a vibrant, tennis-ball yellow. (Note: Here it functions as a compound adjective modifying "yellow").
• In metaphorical or comparative language: It can be used to describe the shape, bounce, or behavior of other objects.
  • The hail bounced on the pavement like tennis balls.

Variants and Related Words

• Pressureless tennis ball: A type of tennis ball with a solid core that does not lose pressure over time, often used for practice.
• High-altitude tennis ball: A ball designed with lower internal pressure for use at high elevations where air pressure is less.
• Ball: The general superordinate term.

Synonyms

• There are no direct synonyms for this specific piece of sporting equipment. General terms like "ball" or "sphere" lack the specific functional and sporting connotations.

Related Phrases

• A can of tennis balls: The standard retail packaging for new tennis balls, which are typically sold in pressurized cans of three or four to maintain their bounce.
• Tennis ball machine: A device that automatically shoots tennis balls to a player for practice.

Related Idioms

• Like a tennis ball: An idiom used to describe someone or something being sent back and forth between parties, similar to the ball in a rally.
  • During the divorce, the child felt like a tennis ball being hit between the two parents.

Noun

1. ball about the size of a fist used in playing tennis