Word
trackball
/ˈtɹækˌbɔɫ/
Definition
n. a computer mouse that stays in one place. You move the cursor by rolling a ball on top with your fingers or thumb.
n. a computer pointing device consisting of a ball housed in a socket containing sensors to detect rotation. Unlike a standard mouse, the unit remains stationary while the user manipulates the ball directly.
Examples
“I prefer using a trackball because it takes up less desk space.”
“Graphic designers often choose a trackball to reduce wrist strain during long hours of precise editing work.”
“While the optical mouse became the industry standard for general computing, the trackball remains a preferred interface in specialized environments like air traffic control and industrial workstations.”
Examples
simple
“I prefer using a trackball because it takes up less desk space.”
contextual
“Graphic designers often choose a trackball to reduce wrist strain during long hours of precise editing work.”
complex
“While the optical mouse became the industry standard for general computing, the trackball remains a preferred interface in specialized environments like air traffic control and industrial workstations.”
Usage
Often used as a compound noun; can be used as a modifier before other nouns like 'mouse' or 'controller'.
Etymology
A compound of the English words track and ball. The term was used in a military context as early as 1946 to describe a prototype radar plotting device developed by Ralph Benjamin for the British Royal Navy Scientific Service.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/trackball