Trackball: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ–ฒ๏ธ
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trackball

 

[หˆtrรฆkหŒbษ”หl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

computer input device

A trackball is a computer input device that consists of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect a rotation of the ball. The user can move the cursor on the screen by rolling the trackball with their fingers.

Synonyms

track ball, track ball.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trackball

This is a repeat of the first form, typically encountered in tech-related or gaming contexts. It is the most common form used.

  • Gamers sometimes prefer a trackball due to its precision
  • The computer lab has a few trackballs available for students
track ball

This variation may be used informally or when emphasizing the separate components, such as during description or explanation in teaching contexts. Rarely used compared to the single-word form.

  • A track ball allows for finer control as you move the ball instead of the whole device
  • When you clean a track ball, make sure to remove any debris

Examples of usage

  • The trackball on my laptop is very sensitive.
  • She preferred using a trackball instead of a traditional mouse.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'trackball' combines the words 'track', meaning to follow, and 'ball' which refers to its spherical shape.
  • This device's name reflects its functionality, as it tracks movements of the ball to control pointer on the screen.

Technology

  • Trackballs were developed in the 1940s, originally for use in military and aviation applications.
  • Unlike standard mice, trackballs allow for stationary operation, enabling users to navigate the screen without moving the whole device.
  • They are particularly popular among graphic designers and gamers for their precision.

Pop Culture

  • The trackball gained popularity in the 1990s alongside the rise of personal computers, becoming a preferred device for some users.
  • It has been featured in several classic video games, such as 'Marble Madness' where players control a marbleโ€™s movement via trackball.

Science

  • Using a trackball can help reduce wrist strain as this device minimizes repetitive motion, benefiting ergonomic health.
  • Studies suggest that the use of trackballs can enhance fine motor skills due to the precise hand movements required.

Design

  • The design of a trackball allows it to fit well for both left-handed and right-handed users, promoting inclusive functionality.
  • Modern trackballs come in various shapes and sizes, some featuring programmable buttons to customize controls.

Translations

Translations of the word "trackball" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น trackball

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคŸเฅเคฐเฅˆเค•เคฌเฅ‰เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Trackball

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ trackball

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ั€ะตะบะฑะพะป

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ trackball

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒˆใƒฉใƒƒใ‚ฏใƒœใƒผใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท trackball

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ trackball

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท top izleme cihazฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŠธ๋ž™๋ณผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒุฑุฉ ุงู„ุชุชุจุน

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ trackball

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ trackball

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฝจ่ฟน็ƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ trackball

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kรบlufรถrunartรฆki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ั€ะตะบะฑะพะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒ แƒ”แƒฅแƒ‘แƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ trackball

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ trackball

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,387, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.