ballas

[ bal-uhs ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. a spherical aggregate of small diamond crystals used for drilling and for various industrial purposes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballas¹

Apparently variant of balas in phrase balas ruby spinel ruby, balas being taken to mean “spinel”

Example Sentences

Item an M of provune gollde with a grette Ballas & a Dyamond.

From Project Gutenberg

This cannot be distinguished from certain fragments obtained in the Neolithic cemetery at Ballas.

From Project Gutenberg

A rough example of No. 44 was found at Ballas, used anciently as a lamp with floating wick.

From Project Gutenberg

The crucial case at Ballas was the secondary burial of a Libyan found in one of a group of stairway mastabas.

From Project Gutenberg

The sides of one Neolithic tomb at Ballas were lined with bars of this kind.

From Project Gutenberg