fastball
UK[ˈfɑːstbɔːl]US[ˈfæstbɔːl]
n
A pitch thrown at high speed with very little curve, typically the fastest pitch a baseball pitcher can throw.
Morpheme Breakdown
fast
ball
fast
swift
ball
spherical object
Etymology
The word 'fastball' is a transparent Modern English compound, directly combining two native elements. 'Fast' derives from the Proto-Germanic fastuz, which held the dual meanings of "firm" and "swift," a semantic link preserved in the idea of a firmly and quickly thrown pitch. 'Ball' traces back to Proto-Germanic balluz, referring to a round object for play or sport. The term emerged in American baseball lexicon in the late 19th century, logically naming the primary high-velocity pitch by its most defining characteristic—its speed—in contrast to breaking balls like curveballs or sliders.
Analysis
Structure: fast (swift) + ball (spherical object)
- fast: From Old English 'fæst' meaning "firmly fixed, steadfast, swift." In this compound, it carries the sense of "swift, quick."
- ball: From Old English 'beall' or Old Norse 'bǫllr', meaning "a round object, sphere." In this compound, it refers specifically to a baseball.
Examples
The pitcher's fastball was clocked at 98 miles per hour.
He set up the hitter with two curveballs before striking him out with a high fastball.
A good fastball is essential for any major league starting pitcher.