Paddlecock is a noun that refers to a small, flat, and usually lightweight object used in various games and sports for striking with a paddle or racket. It is commonly associated with certain racket sports like table tennis and badminton. The term "paddlecock" is derived from the words "paddle," which represents the instrument used to strike the object, and "cock," which represents the object being struck.
In table tennis, a paddlecock is a small, circular object made of lightweight plastic or celluloid, commonly known as a table tennis ball. It is used in the game where players hit the ball back and forth across a table using small paddles. The paddlecocks used in table tennis are specifically designed to be lightweight, durable, and have good bounce qualities to ensure fair play.
Similarly, in badminton, a paddlecock refers to a cone-shaped object with a rounded, rubberized base and a feathery top known as a shuttlecock. The shuttlecock is struck back and forth across a net using a racket, and the players aim to keep it in the air as long as possible without it touching the ground. Paddlecocks in badminton are carefully designed to have a stable flight and a good balance between the feathered top and rubberized base.
Overall, the term "paddlecock" encapsulates the object that is struck with a paddle or racket in various racket sports and games, specifically referring to a table tennis ball or a badminton shuttlecock.
