Definition

A device used to control the movement of a cursor on a computer screen, consisting of a ball that can be rotated while being housed in a stationary base.

Example

She prefers using a trackball instead of a traditional mouse for her computer work.

Conversation

Have you ever used a trackball instead of a mouse?

No, I haven't! How is it different?

It's actually pretty cool; you just rotate the trackball to move the cursor.

That sounds interesting! I might give it a try.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Trackball → The word is formed from "track" (from Old English *tracian*, meaning to pull or draw) and "ball" (from Old English *beall*, meaning a spherical object). The term "trackball" refers to a spherical object that can be rolled to control movement, as if drawing a path.

Memory Tip

Think of 'drawing a path' ('track') with a 'spherical object' ('ball') — that's how a trackball works.

Visually Confused Words