spitball

• Существительное с двумя различными значениями: маленький бумажный шарик для плевания или нелегальная подача в бейсболе, при которой на мяч наносится постороннее вещество.

A noun with two distinct meanings: a small, chewed paper projectile, or an illegal baseball pitch where a foreign substance is applied to the ball.

1. Paper projectileB1informal

   A small, moistened ball of paper, often chewed and shaped, used as a playful projectile.

   Бумажный шарик

   • The bored student flicked a spitball across the classroom.
   • He aimed a spitball at the back of his friend's head.
   • The teacher found a pile of spitballs on the floor.

2. Illegal baseball pitchC1formalsport

   A baseball pitch that has been illegally altered by applying a foreign substance, such as saliva or Vaseline, to affect its trajectory.

   Нелегальная подача в бейсболе

   • The pitcher was ejected from the game for throwing a spitball.
   • Using a spitball is a serious violation of baseball rules.
   • The umpire inspected the ball for signs of a spitball.

   Синонимыspitter