bocce
UK[ˈbɒtʃi]US[ˈbɑːtʃi]
n
an italian game similar to lawn bowling, played on a long, narrow, packed dirt or gravel court.
Etymology
the word 'bocce' is the plural form of the italian word 'boccia', meaning 'ball'. this italian term itself traces its origins to the vulgar latin 'bottia', meaning 'boss' or 'knob', which is likely of germanic origin. the game, with its characteristic wooden balls, was developed in its modern form in italy, and the name was adopted directly into english to refer specifically to this sport. thus, the journey is from a general germanic/latin term for a rounded object to the specific name of an italian ball game in english.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from italian. it does not contain separable morphemes within the english spelling that carry distinct, analyzable meanings.
Examples
we spent a relaxing afternoon playing bocce in the park.
the local italian social club has a dedicated bocce court.
he showed great skill in rolling the bocce ball close to the pallino.