Trackball: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ–ฒ๏ธ
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trackball

 

[ หˆtrรฆkหŒbษ”หl ]

Noun
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.

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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.

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

Etymology

The trackball, also known as a rollerball, was invented by Tom Cranston and Fred Longstaff in 1952. It was originally designed for use in radar systems as a means of controlling the target on a screen. Over time, trackballs became popular as computer input devices, offering an alternative to traditional mice. The design allows for precise cursor control and is particularly useful in situations where space is limited or for users with mobility issues.

See also: backtrack, detractor, sidetrack, sidetracked, track, trackable, tracker, tracking, tracklist, tracks, trackway.

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.