buckyball

noun

bucky·​ball ˈbə-kē-ˌbȯl How to pronounce buckyball (audio)
: a molecule of buckminsterfullerene
broadly : fullerene

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web To try to coax magnetism out of copper and manganese, scientists turned to a quirky carbon molecule called a buckyball. Andy Berger, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2015 While Kroto and Smalley pursued further buckyball research, Dr. Curl soon moved on to other areas of interest. Kenneth Chang, BostonGlobe.com, 20 July 2022 In 1996 Kroto, Curl and Smalley were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their roles in discovering the molecule, called buckminsterfullerene, or just fullerene (also known as a buckyball). Ryan C. Fortenberry, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2020 Kroto was convinced that buckyballs were present in space and were likely to be the source of some DIB fingerprints. Ryan C. Fortenberry, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'buckyball.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

R. Buckminster Fuller + -y entry 4

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buckyball was in 1985

Dictionary Entries Near buckyball

Cite this Entry

“Buckyball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buckyball. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

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