Pronunciation: [ʃˈʌtə͡lkˌɒk] (IPA) 
The word "shuttlecock" is spelled as "ˈʃʌtlkɒk" in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "shutl" is pronounced with a stress on the first vowel sound "ʌ" followed by the consonant cluster "tl". The second syllable "cock" is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by the consonant "k". The word refers to a small rounded cork or rubber ball that is hit back and forth over a high net in the game of badminton.
A shuttlecock is a lightweight, rounded projectile used in the sport of badminton, typically made with a base made of cork or rubber and covered with feathers or synthetic materials. The shuttlecock is designed to be hit back and forth over a net using a racket.
In badminton, a shuttlecock serves as the equivalent of a ball in other racquet sports. It is specifically constructed to have an attractive drag coefficient, allowing it to be easily propelled through the air and providing players with sufficient time to react and return shots. The shuttlecock's cone-shaped base helps maintain stability during flight, while its feathers or synthetic materials add weight and increase its air resistance.
Shuttlecocks are usually white in color, although variations can be found in yellow or other contrasting shades for enhanced visibility during high-speed matches. The sport employs two types of shuttlecocks: feather shuttlecocks, typically made from 16 overlapping feathers fixed into a cork base, are used in professional competitions and high-level play, while synthetic shuttlecocks, manufactered from plastic materials, are often employed in recreational and low-level matches due to their durability.
The shuttlecock is a crucial element in badminton, dictating the pace, accuracy, and strategy of the game. Its unique design allows for extraordinary agility and maneuverability, making it an integral part of the sport's dynamic and fast-paced nature.
The word "shuttlecock" has its origins in Old English. The term is derived from the combination of two words: "shuttle" and "cock".
The word "shuttle" refers to a device used in weaving, and it comes from the Old English word "scytel", which means "dart" or "missile". The shuttle is a small, pointed object that is passed back and forth through the threads on a loom to create woven fabric.
The word "cock" in Old English was used to refer to a small spherical object or a projectile. It has its roots in Old English as "coc" or "cocc", which meant a small object or sphere.
When combined, "shuttle" and "cock" created the word "shuttlecock", which referred to a small object used in a game resembling badminton.
