Carom

/ˈkærəm/ verb

Definition

To hit and bounce off something, or in billiards, to strike the cue ball so it hits two or more objects.

Etymology

From Spanish 'carambola' (the game of pool), possibly from Portuguese 'carambola' (a type of fruit), of uncertain ultimate origin, shortened to 'carom' in English.

Kelly Says

The billiards term 'carom' comes from a fruit—'carambola' is the star fruit, and Spanish players apparently called the bouncing ball game after how the fruit tumbles and bounces when dropped!

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