the process of ionizing; the formation of ions by separating atoms or molecules or radicals or by adding or subtracting electrons from atoms by strong electric fields in a gas
the condition of being dissociated into ions (as by heat or radiation or chemical reaction or electrical discharge); "the ionization of a gas"
a pitch that is not in the strike zone; "he threw nine straight balls before the manager yanked him"
the game of baseball
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games; "the ball travelled 90 mph on his serve"; "the mayor threw out the first ball"; "the ball rolled into the corner pocket"
a spherical object used as a plaything; "he played with his rubber ball in the bathtub"
a more or less rounded anatomical body or mass; "the ball at the base of the thumb"; "he stood on the balls of his feet"
a lavish dance requiring formal attire
a compact mass; "a ball of mud caught him on the shoulder"
the people assembled at a lavish formal dance; "the ball was already emptying out before the fire alarm sounded"
United States comedienne best known as the star of a popular television program (1911-1989)
an object with a spherical shape; "a ball of fire"
form into a ball by winding or rolling; "ball wool"
deal with (something unpleasant) head on; "You must confront your problems"; "He faced the terrible consequences of his mistakes"
present somebody with something, usually to accuse or criticize; "We confronted him with the evidence"; "He was faced with all the evidence and could no longer deny his actions"; "An enormous dilemma faces us"
oppose, as in hostility or a competition; "You must confront your opponent"; "Jackson faced Smith in the boxing ring"; "The two enemies finally confronted each other"
be face to face with; "The child screamed when he confronted the man in the Halloween costume"
a wrestling hold in which the toe is held and the leg is twisted against the joints
a small foothold used in climbing
a relatively insignificant position from which future progress might be made; "American diplomacy provided a toehold on which to proceed toward peace talks"; "his father gave him a toehold in the oil business"