Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device resembling a sling used to propel a dart or spear: A dart thrower is a tool or weapon, often used in historical or traditional societies, that functions as an extension of the arm to increase the force and distance when throwing a projectile like a dart or a light spear.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The museum exhibit featured a dart thrower used by ancient hunters.
  • Anthropologists studied how the dart thrower improved the efficiency of hunting.

Advanced Usage

• As a technological innovation: The dart thrower is often discussed in archaeology as an early example of human technological advancement for hunting and warfare.
  • The invention of the dart thrower represented a significant leap in projectile technology.

Variants and Related Words

• Atlatl (n): This is the more specific, commonly used term for a dart thrower, derived from Nahuatl (Aztec language).
  • The atlatl, or dart thrower, allowed for the hunting of large game.
• Spear-thrower (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with "dart thrower."
  • The spear-thrower increased the velocity of the projectile.

Synonyms

• Spear-thrower: A device for throwing a spear.
• Atlatl: The specific term for a type of dart or spear thrower.

Related Phrases

• To use a dart thrower: The action of employing this device.
  • He learned to use a dart thrower with great accuracy.

Noun

1. a device resembling a sling that is used in various primitive societies to propel a dart or spear