knuckleball
UK[ˈnʌk(ə)lbɔːl]US[ˈnʌk(ə)lbɔːl]
n
a slow pitch in baseball that moves erratically, thrown by gripping the ball with the knuckles or fingertips.
Morpheme Breakdown
knuckle
ball
knuckle
ball
Etymology
the term is a transparent compound from american english, originating in the early 20th century. the first element, 'knuckle', refers to the distinctive grip where the pitcher's knuckles are pressed against the ball, rather than the conventional fingertip hold. the second element, 'ball', simply denotes the baseball itself. the name thus logically describes the method of delivery, which results in the pitch's characteristic slow speed and unpredictable, fluttering motion due to minimal spin.
Analysis
Structure: knuckle + ball
knuckle (from middle english 'knokel', of germanic origin, meaning a joint of a finger); ball (from old norse 'bǫllr', meaning a spherical object).
Examples
the pitcher's signature pitch was a devastating knuckleball that baffled hitters.
catching a knuckleball is notoriously difficult for catchers because of its erratic path.
he spent years mastering the knuckleball, a pitch that relies more on finesse than power.