throwing stick
Noun: 1. A curved piece of wood; when properly thrown it will return to the thrower. This is a traditional tool, also commonly known as a boomerang. 2. A device resembling a sling that is used in various primitive societies to propel a dart or spear. This is a tool used to increase the leverage and force when throwing a projectile, such as an atlatl or spear-thrower.
- The Aboriginal hunter skillfully used a throwing stick to bring down prey from a distance.
- In the museum, we saw an ancient throwing stick used to launch spears with greater speed.
- He practiced for hours to master the technique of making the returning throwing stick come back to his hand.
- Archaeological context: The term is often used in archaeology and anthropology to describe ancient hunting tools found at dig sites.
- The discovery of a throwing stick at the site provided evidence of advanced hunting techniques.
- Comparative technology: Used to discuss the evolution of weaponry from simple hand-thrown objects to more complex devices.
- The throwing stick represented a significant technological advancement over simply throwing a spear by hand.
- Boomerang: Specifically refers to a curved throwing stick designed to return to the thrower.
- Atlatl: A more specific term for a spear-throwing lever, often used in Mesoamerican and other indigenous contexts.
- Spear-thrower: A general synonym for the device used to launch darts or spears.
- Woomera: The Aboriginal Australian term for a spear-throwing stick.
- Projectile launcher
- Hunting stick
- Throwing board (for certain types)
The term "throwing stick" encompasses two distinct but related primitive tools: 1. The returning type (boomerang), primarily associated with Australian Aboriginal culture. 2. The projectile-launching type (atlatl), associated with increasing the force of a spear or dart, used by many ancient cultures worldwide. The specific meaning is usually clear from the context.
- a curved piece of wood; when properly thrown will return to thrower
- a device resembling a sling that is used in various primitive societies to propel a dart or spear