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Boll: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒฑ
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boll

 

[ bษ”l ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

botanical term

A boll is a seed pod of plants, especially those in the cotton family. These pods open when they are mature, releasing seeds that can be used for propagation. In the case of cotton, the bolls are crucial for harvest, as they contain the fibers that are spun into thread or fabric. The shape and development of bolls can vary significantly across different species. This term is commonly used in agriculture and botany to refer specifically to the reproductive structures of certain plants.

Examples of usage

  • The cotton bolls burst open in late summer.
  • Farmers closely monitor the growth of bolls.
  • Each boll can contain several cotton fibers.
  • Bolls are essential for the cotton industry.
Context #2 | Verb

slang term

To 'boll' can refer to someone being bold or brash. It is often used in a derogatory sense to describe behavior that is overly audacious. This usage is mostly found in regional dialects and is less common in formal language. It signifies an attitude rather than a specific action, suggesting that the person is taking undue risks or acting without consideration.

Examples of usage

  • He boll'd when he challenged the whole class.
  • Don't boll too much at work.
  • She tends to boll during debates.
  • His decision to speak out was quite a boll.

Translations

Translations of the word "boll" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bola

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅ‡เค‚เคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ball

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bola

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบัƒะปั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ piล‚ka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒœใƒผใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท balle

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bola

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท top

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ณต

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรญฤ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ lopta

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ลพoga

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bollur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒฃแƒ แƒ—แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ top

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ bola

Etymology

The word 'boll' has its origins in Old English, derived from the Proto-Germanic *bolla, which referred to a rounded object or a ball, and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages such as 'boll' in Middle Dutch. Over time, its meaning has shifted and narrowed primarily to refer to the seed pods of various plants, especially cotton. The agricultural significance of the term grew during the cotton boom in the 19th century, which solidified its use in economic discussions surrounding cotton production. The dual usage of 'boll' as both a noun in botany and a verb in colloquial slang illustrates the flexibility of language and how regional dialects can give rise to new meanings.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,313, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.