Cue stick
A long, tapered implement used to strike a cue ball in pool, snooker, and carom billiards. Its tip transfers force and spin to the ball.
Cue tip: The small end piece of a cue stick that contacts the cue ball. Its material and shape govern grip on the ball and the risk of a miscue.
Cue shaft: The long, usually tapered portion of a cue stick between its tip and butt. Its taper and stiffness shape the cue's feel and response during a stroke.
Pool cue: A cue stick designed for pocket billiards, commonly called pool. Pool cues are built around pocket-game balls, tables, and shot techniques.
Cue stick materials: The woods, composites, and other materials used to make cue sticks. Material choices affect the cue's stiffness, durability, price, and feel.
Cue ball: The ball a player strikes directly with a cue stick to make a shot. The cue stick transfers motion to this ball, which then contacts other balls.
Cue ferrule: A sleeve at the end of a cue shaft that supports the cue tip. It holds the tip in place and cushions the shaft from repeated impacts.
Snooker cue: A cue stick designed for snooker, typically used with smaller balls and a larger table. Snooker cues suit the game's long-distance aiming and precise positional play.
Carbon-fiber cue: A cue stick whose shaft is made primarily from carbon-fiber composite. It offers a contrasting shaft construction to traditional wooden cues.
Cue stroke: The controlled arm and cue movement used to deliver a billiard shot. A straight, repeatable stroke helps the cue tip meet its intended contact point.
Cue butt: The thicker rear section of a cue stick, held by the player. Its weight, grip, and balance affect how the cue feels in the hand.