Snowball: meaning, definitions and examples
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snowball
[ˈsnoʊbɔːl ]
Definitions
weather phenomenon
A snowball is a ball made of snow that is often compacted and thrown as a projectile. During winter, children and adults alike enjoy shaping snow into snowballs for snowball fights or for building snowmen. The term can also metaphorically refer to a situation that starts small and grows larger. In many cultures, snowballs symbolize fun and playfulness during the winter season.
Synonyms
snow sphere, snowball fight.
Examples of usage
- The children had a snowball fight in the park.
- He packed a snowball and threw it at his friend.
- They rolled a large snowball to create a snowman.
- The snowball rolled down the hill, gathering more snow.
growing situation
To snowball means to increase rapidly in size, force, or importance, similar to how a snowball grows larger as it rolls down a hill. This term is often used in contexts such as finance, where debt can snowball, becoming unmanageable over time. It can also describe how small problems or situations can escalate into larger issues if not addressed promptly.
Synonyms
compound, escalate, snowball effect.
Examples of usage
- Her small savings began to snowball into a large investment.
- The rumors started to snowball after the incident.
- His simple idea snowballed into a successful business.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'snowball' comes from combining 'snow,' which refers to frozen water droplets, and 'ball,' meaning a spherical object.
- Used in English literature since at least the early 1700s, it originally described any ball made of snow.
- The term has evolved to describe various activities, like making snowballs or 'snowballing' in finance, where small amounts grow into larger ones.
Cultural Significance
- In winter sports, snowball fights are popular and encourage teamwork and play among friends.
- The image of a snowball often symbolizes growth and accumulation, seen in various holiday cards and decorations.
- Snowballs feature in many children's games and are reminiscent of winter celebrations, creating cheerful memories.
Science
- The formation of a snowball is a physical process where loose snow is compacted, causing it to hold together due to the structure of snowflakes.
- Snowballs can vary in size and density depending on moisture levels in the snow, impacting how well they stick together.
- The temperature and humidity play crucial roles in snowball formation, dictating whether snow is too powdery or wet enough to form a good snowball.
Psychology
- Playing with snowballs engages social interaction, promoting cooperative play and encouraging physical activity during winter.
- The joy of snowball fights can evoke feelings of nostalgia, reminding people of carefree childhood moments.
- Snowball effects in psychology describe how small changes or actions can lead to bigger consequences, mirroring how a snowball grows as it rolls.
Literature and Media
- Snowballs appear in many classic winter tales, symbolizing fun, childhood, and sometimes chaos during the snowy season.
- In popular culture, animated films often feature snowball fights as a comedic element, showcasing playful competition between characters.
- Children's books frequently highlight snowballs as symbols of winter joy and adventure, fostering interest in seasonal activities.
Translations
Translations of the word "snowball" in other languages:
🇵🇹 bola de neve
🇮🇳 बरफ का गोला
🇩🇪 Schneeball
🇮🇩 bola salju
🇺🇦 сніжка
🇵🇱 śnieżka
🇯🇵 雪玉
🇫🇷 boule de neige
🇪🇸 bola de nieve
🇹🇷 kar topu
🇰🇷 눈덩이
🇸🇦 كرة الثلج
🇨🇿 sněhová koule
🇸🇰 snehová guľa
🇨🇳 雪球
🇸🇮 snežna krogla
🇮🇸 snjókúla
🇰🇿 қар доп
🇬🇪 თოვლის ბურთი
🇦🇿 qar topu
🇲🇽 bola de nieve