What does "buckyball" mean?
A buckminsterfullerene molecule (C₆₀).
Buckyball
/ˈbʌkiˌbɔːl/ noun, slang
noun, slang ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A buckminsterfullerene molecule (C₆₀).
- Grammar: buckyball is listed as noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: buckminsterfullerene, c60 fullerene, fullerene, spherical carbon molecule.
- Useful contrasts: amorphous carbon, graphite.
How to use "buckyball"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "buckyball" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "buckyball" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "buckyball" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "buckyball" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "buckyball" is acting as noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "buckminsterfullerene" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use surrounding context as the evidence check, then read your sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A buckminsterfullerene molecule (C₆₀). informal
- 2 a spheroidal fullerene; the first known example of a fullerene wordnet
- 3 The most common types of spheroidal fullerenes, C₆₀ and C₇₀ usually; with C₇₂ and C₇₆ sometimes also included. broadly, informal
- 4 Any spheroidal fullerene, from C₂₀ on upwards. broadly, informal
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
amorphous carbongraphite
Common questions
What is a synonym for "buckyball"?
Common synonyms include: buckminsterfullerene, c60 fullerene, fullerene, spherical carbon molecule.
How do you pronounce "buckyball"?
Pronounced /ˈbʌkiˌbɔːl/.
Etymology
Blend of buck(minsterfullerene) + -y + ball.