Ballpoints

/ˈbɔːlˌpɔɪnts/ noun

Definition

Pens with a small rotating metal ball at the tip that distributes ink evenly onto paper; plural of ballpoint.

Etymology

From 'ball' plus 'point,' referring to the spherical writing implement. Invented in the 1930s by László Bíró, a Hungarian journalist, as an improvement over fountain pens.

Kelly Says

László Bíró invented the ballpoint pen because fountain pens smudged newspaper print—he literally watched ink dry at a printing press and thought 'there must be a better way,' creating one of the most important writing instruments in history from pure frustration.

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