Pronunciation: [a͡ʊtlˈe͡ɪn] (IPA) 
The word "outlane" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /aʊt leɪn/. The "ou" sound is pronounced like the "ow" in "cow," while "t" is pronounced as "t" in "top." The "l" sound, on the other hand, is pronounced as "l" in "land." Finally, the "a" in "lane" is pronounced with the "ay" sound, as in "hay." In bowling, the outlane is the area on either side of the lane where the ball can go out of bounds.
Outlane is a term used in pinball to refer to the outermost and narrowest section of the playfield where the ball can exit or drain without any opportunity for the player to save it. It is a crucial component of pinball gameplay and is typically situated on either side of the flippers.
The outlane is characterized by its shape, which is often a U-shaped channel bounded by metal guideposts or rubbers that act as physical barriers to keep the ball from returning to the main play area. When the ball enters the outlane, it quickly descends through this narrow channel and ultimately falls into the bottom of the machine, prompting the end of the player's turn.
The objective of the player is to prevent the ball from entering the outlane, as doing so results in a loss of points and potentially the loss of a ball. This requires strategic use of the flippers to keep the ball in play and guide it away from the outlanes.
Skilled players can learn to nudge or shake the pinball machine to influence the direction of the ball and avoid the outlanes. However, excessive or illegal shaking can lead to penalties or even the disqualification of the player.
In summary, the outlane is the outermost section of the pinball playfield where the ball can drain without any chance of player intervention or rescue, highlighting the importance of skillful flipper control and strategic play in avoiding this undesired outcome.
The word "outlane" is derived from the combination of the prefix "out-" and the noun "lane".
The prefix "out-" in this context signifies "outside" or "beyond". It indicates a position or direction away from the center or main area. It is commonly used to express movement, location, or removal from a particular place.
The noun "lane" originally referred to a narrow pathway or a road. It has Old English origins, derived from the Old English word "lana", meaning a division of agricultural land. Over time, the term "lane" has come to be associated with various pathways or roads, often narrow or limited in size.
When "out-" is combined with "lane", it creates the word "outlane", which is used in specific contexts such as pinball. In pinball machines, the outlane refers to the outermost, wider lanes on the sides of the playing field.
