writing instruments [3]

The first true writing instruments were made by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia nearly 5,000 years ago.

ballpoint pen

Instrument invented at the beginning of the 20th century; the writing tip holds a small rotating ball.

point

Tip that contains the ball bearing used to deposit ink from the cartridge onto the writing surface.

joint

clip

Curved metal bar that attaches the ballpoint pen to a pocket.

push-button

Button controlling the mechanism that advances and retracts the cartridge.

ball bearing

Small metal ball in the point of the pen; when turned, it deposits ink from the cartridge onto the writing surface.

ink

Black or colored liquid used for writing.

refill

Cartridge that is inserted into the body of a ballpoint pen to refill the ink.