Pronunciation: [pˈuːl stˈɪk] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the term often used to refer to the cue used in a game of pool is "pool stick". The word "pool" is pronounced /puːl/ and refers to the game played on a table with several balls and cues. The word "stick" is pronounced /stɪk/ and refers to the long, slender wooden rod used by players to strike the cue ball. Therefore, the correct spelling of the term is the combination of these two words, "pool stick".
A pool stick, commonly known as a cue stick or simply a cue, refers to a long and slender sporting instrument used in the game of pool or billiards. It is an essential tool for players to strike the cue ball and direct its movement to pocket the object balls.
Typically constructed from wood, although sometimes made from other materials such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, a pool stick consists of several components. The main elements include a tapered and cylindrical shaft, a ferrule, and a tip. The shaft is the elongated part of the cue, held by the player during the game. It is used to create a smooth stroke and transfer power and accuracy to the cue ball.
At the end of the shaft, the ferrule serves as a connecting piece between the shaft and the tip. Made of materials like ivory, plastic, or composite, the ferrule provides stability and protects the cue from damage while also transferring energy efficiently.
The tip is the small, rounded part of the cue stick that makes direct contact with the cue ball. Generally, it is composed of leather, often layered and affixed with glue. The player can shape and condition the tip to their preference, allowing for better control and spin on the cue ball.
Pool sticks come in various weights, lengths, and designs, catering to different player preferences and playing styles. They may include additional features like wraps or grips to enhance comfort and grip during play.
The term "pool stick" is a common colloquial term for a cue used in the game of pool or billiards. The etymology of the phrase can be broken down as follows:
1. Pool: The word "pool" in this context refers to the game of pool or pocket billiards. The origin of the word "pool" in this sense is unclear, but it is believed to have derived from various games played on a billiards table in which players competed to pocket balls into specific holes or pockets. The term "pool" may have originated from the French word "poule", which means "stake" or "prize", as players would contribute to a common stake or pot of money.
2. Stick: The word "stick" used in this context simply refers to a long, slender, and cylindrical object used to strike the cue ball in the game of pool.
