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Ballista Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ballista

[bษ™หˆlษชstษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

ancient weapon

A ballista is a type of ancient weapon used by the Romans and Greeks. It is a large crossbow-like device that was used to launch projectiles such as bolts or stones. The ballista was known for its accuracy and power, making it a formidable weapon on the battlefield.

Synonyms

catapult, crossbow, siege engine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ballista

Used to describe an ancient weapon that resembles a large crossbow and is designed for shooting large projectiles, like rocks or spear-sized arrows, often employed in historical or fantasy military contexts.

  • The army prepared the ballista for the upcoming siege, ensuring its bolts were ready to launch at the enemy walls.
  • In the medieval reenactment, the ballista was one of the highlights, showcasing how ancient armies breached fortifications.
crossbow

Describes a weapon consisting of a bow mounted on a stock that shoots projectiles, typically bolts. It is often used in contexts involving hunting, medieval warfare, or modern sports shooting.

  • The hunter aimed his crossbow at the deer, steadying his breath before releasing the bolt.
  • In medieval battles, a skilled crossbowman could take down an enemy from a great distance.
catapult

Used to refer to a device that hurls objects, such as stones, into the air, often associated with historical warfare. It is frequently used to describe similar modern devices in educational or playful contexts.

  • The students built a small catapult in physics class to study projectile motion.
  • During the siege, the soldiers used a catapult to launch boulders over the enemy's walls.
siege engine

A general term for any large weapon or device used to break or circumvent city walls and other fortifications during a siege, often associated with historical military engineering.

  • The invaders constructed multiple siege engines to breach the castle's defenses.
  • Learning about siege engines, like battering rams and trebuchets, provided insight into ancient warfare techniques.

Examples of usage

  • The Roman army used ballistas to defend their fortifications.
  • The Greeks employed ballistas during sieges to attack enemy troops.
  • The ballista was capable of launching projectiles over long distances.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The ballista was used by ancient civilizations like the Romans and Greeks primarily for sieges.
  • Its design is inspired by the crossbow, allowing for greater projectile force and distance.
  • The name 'ballista' comes from the Latin word 'ballista', which might trace back to the Greek word 'ballistฤ“s', meaning 'to throw'.

Engineering

  • The ballista operates on tension, with its arms bowing to store energy before releasing projectiles.
  • Ancient engineers designed various sizes of ballistae, some capable of launching stones over 500 meters.
  • It could launch heavy projectiles weighing up to 30 pounds with great accuracy.

Military Strategy

  • While many siege weapons were made for damaging walls, the ballista was especially effective against troops and fortifications.
  • Tactics included using multiple ballistae to create a barrage effect in order to overwhelm enemy defenses.
  • Historical records show that armies would transport ballistae on wheeled carts for ease of movement during campaigns.

Pop Culture

  • Ballistae appear in many video games as powerful siege weapons depicted in fantasy and medieval settings.
  • The ballista has been featured in movies and series about ancient battles, often portrayed as key parts of warfare.
  • In some tabletop RPGs, players can build their own ballistae, adding a fun strategic element to gameplay.

Modern References

  • The term 'ballista' is often used in modern simulations and historical reenactments to evoke ancient warfare.
  • Today, engineers study ancient war machines like the ballista for inspiration in designing new projectile-launching systems.
  • Ballista mechanisms are sometimes replicated in modern amusement parks, launching water balloons in games.

Origin of 'ballista'

The word 'ballista' comes from the Latin word 'ballista,' which means 'a device for throwing stones.' The ballista was a key weapon in ancient warfare, dating back to around 400 BC. It played a significant role in siege warfare and was used by various ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Greeks. The design of the ballista evolved over time, with improvements in range, accuracy, and power. Despite being an ancient weapon, the ballista is still remembered today for its effectiveness on the battlefield.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,400, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.