spear-thrower: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Historical, Anthropological
Quick answer
What does “spear-thrower” mean?
A hand-held mechanical device used to propel a spear or dart with greater force and accuracy than by throwing alone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hand-held mechanical device used to propel a spear or dart with greater force and accuracy than by throwing alone.
The term can also refer to the person who operates such a device. In anthropology, it denotes a significant technological innovation in early human history.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage difference. The term is equally rare in both dialects and confined to specialized contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and technical. Evokes prehistoric technology, survival skills, and archaeological study.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Occurs primarily in academic texts, museum displays, and historical reenactment communities.
Grammar
How to Use “spear-thrower” in a Sentence
[Subject] used a spear-thrower to [verb] the spear.The spear-thrower [verb] the dart with immense force.A spear-thrower consists of [noun phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spear-thrower” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hunter attempted to spear-throw the dart, but the atlatl slipped from his grasp.
American English
- He practiced for hours to spear-throw accurately with the new atlatl design.
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The spear-throwing competition tested both accuracy and distance.
American English
- Spear-throwing technology revolutionized Paleo-Indian hunting practices.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Central term in archaeology, anthropology, and studies of prehistoric technology. Used to discuss human innovation and hunting methods.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Might appear in documentaries or historical fiction.
Technical
Precise term for a lever-based projectile weapon, distinct from a bow. Discusses mechanics like flex, thrust, and leverage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spear-thrower”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spear-thrower”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spear-thrower”
- Using 'spear-thrower' to refer to a person (a warrior) instead of the device. Confusing it with a 'javelin' or 'harpoon'. Misspelling as 'spear thrower' without the hyphen, though the hyphenated form is more standard for the tool.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A spear-thrower (atlatl) is a distinct technology. It uses a lever to propel a spear or dart, while a bow uses the elasticity of a bent stave and string to shoot an arrow.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized term. Most people would not encounter it outside of academic, museum, or historical reenactment contexts.
While logically possible, this is highly unusual and potentially confusing. The standard meaning is the tool itself. To refer to a person, one would say 'spear thrower' (often without the hyphen) or 'javelin thrower'.
'Atlatl' is a loanword from the Nahuatl language (spoken by the Aztecs and other peoples). It was adopted into English, particularly in archaeology, as a more specific synonym for 'spear-thrower'.
A hand-held mechanical device used to propel a spear or dart with greater force and accuracy than by throwing alone.
Spear-thrower is usually technical, historical, anthropological in register.
Spear-thrower: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪəˌθrəʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪrˌθroʊər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SPEAR' needs a 'THROWER' to go FAR. It's not thrown by hand, but by a tool that acts as an extra arm.
Conceptual Metaphor
TECHNOLOGY AS A FORCE MULTIPLIER (The device extends human capability, turning the arm into a more powerful lever).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary relationship between a 'spear-thrower' and an 'atlatl'?