Spearman: meaning, definitions and examples

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spearman

 

[ˈspɪəmən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

weapon

A soldier equipped with a long weapon for thrusting or throwing, typically having a pointed head.

Synonyms

lancer, pikeman, soldier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spearman

Used to describe a historical or fantasy infantry soldier who wields a spear as his primary weapon.

  • The spearman stood ready at the front lines, his spear pointed towards the enemy.
  • In the ancient battle, spearmen formed a defensive wall against the cavalry charges.
lancer

Typically refers to a soldier in a cavalry unit who fights with a lance. This term is commonly found in historical, especially medieval or renaissance, contexts.

  • The lancer charged fearlessly into battle, his lance aimed at the opposing knight.
  • In medieval Europe, lancers were an integral part of any cavalry charge.
pikeman

Describes a soldier who uses a pike, a long pole weapon. Often used to refer to infantry soldiers in historical and renaissance warfare settings.

  • The pikemen were strategically positioned to defend against enemy cavalry.
  • During the English Civil War, pikemen were commonly used to break through enemy lines.
soldier

A general term for a person who serves in an army. Can be used in both historical and modern contexts without specifying the type of weapon or unit.

  • The soldier received his orders and prepared for the mission ahead.
  • Throughout history, soldiers have played crucial roles in defending their nations.

Examples of usage

  • The spearman stood ready for battle.
  • The spearman hurled his weapon at the enemy.
Context #2 | Noun

statistics

A measure of rank correlation that assesses how well the relationship between two variables can be described using a monotonic function.

Synonyms

rank correlation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spearman

Use 'Spearman' (capitalized) to refer to the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, a statistical measure used to identify the strength and direction of association between two ranked variables.

  • The Spearman coefficient was calculated to determine the relationship between study time and test scores.
  • In our research, Spearman's rank correlation was used to analyze the non-linear relationships among the variables.
rank correlation

Use 'rank correlation' in a statistical or data analysis context when discussing the relationship between different variables in terms of their ranks.

  • To analyze the data set, we computed the rank correlation between the variables.
  • Rank correlation is a non-parametric method, meaning it does not assume a specific distribution for the data.

Examples of usage

  • The spearman correlation coefficient is often used in statistical analysis.
  • The researcher calculated the Spearman's rank correlation.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Spear-wielding fighters have existed since ancient times, with records from civilizations like the Greeks and Romans using spearmen in their armies.
  • The earliest spears date back over 400,000 years, initially created for hunting and protection.
  • In African cultures, spearmen often played crucial roles in warfare and tribal rituals, showcasing the spear's importance beyond just a weapon.

Military History

  • Many ancient armies organized units of spearmen, often placed at the front lines to fend off cavalry and protect archers.
  • The Macedonian phalanx, developed by Alexander the Great, featured long-speared soldiers called pike men, which was a tactical evolution of the spearman's role in warfare.
  • Spearmen were known for their ability to create defensive formations, making it difficult for enemies to break through.

Cultural Representation

  • In various mythologies, spearmen are often depicted as heroes or guardians, symbolizing strength and bravery.
  • The Viking Age saw formidable spearmen, known for their valor in raids and battles, often celebrated in sagas and songs.
  • Spears have appeared prominently in art, including famous paintings and sculptures, highlighting their significance throughout history.

Modern Context

  • Today, spears are largely used in sports like javelin throwing, which is based on the principles of using a spear.
  • Cultural festivals in some regions still feature traditional spear-throwing competitions, celebrating heritage and warrior traditions.
  • In fantasy literature and games, spearmen are often featured as characters, symbolizing the classic warrior archetype.

Technology and Innovation

  • The design of spears has evolved over time, with advancements in materials creating lighter and more durable versions.
  • Modern armies sometimes use tactical variations of spears, like bayonets, which are fixed to rifles for close combat.
  • Spears have inspired various forms of pole weapons, leading to innovations in martial arts and combat training techniques.

Translations

Translations of the word "spearman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lanceiro

🇮🇳 भाला चलाने वाला

🇩🇪 Speerkämpfer

🇮🇩 penombak

🇺🇦 списник

🇵🇱 włócznik

🇯🇵 槍兵 (やりへい)

🇫🇷 lancier

🇪🇸 lancero

🇹🇷 mizrakçı

🇰🇷 창병 (창을 든 전사)

🇸🇦 رمّاح

🇨🇿 kopiník

🇸🇰 kopijník

🇨🇳 枪兵 (qiāng bīng)

🇸🇮 kopjaš

🇮🇸 spjótmaður

🇰🇿 найзагер

🇬🇪 შუბოსანი

🇦🇿 nizəçi

🇲🇽 lancero