Difference between revisions of "Catapult"
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
Middle French or [[Latin]]; Middle French ''catapulte'', from Latin ''catapulta'', from [[Greek]] katapaltēs, from ''kata''- + ''pallein'' to hurl | Middle French or [[Latin]]; Middle French ''catapulte'', from Latin ''catapulta'', from [[Greek]] katapaltēs, from ''kata''- + ''pallein'' to hurl | ||
| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1577] |
The word 'catapult' comes from the [[Latin]] 'catapulta', which in turn comes from the [[Greek]] καταπέλτης (katapeltēs), itself from (kata), "downwards" + πάλλω (pallō), "to toss, to hurl" | The word 'catapult' comes from the [[Latin]] 'catapulta', which in turn comes from the [[Greek]] καταπέλτης (katapeltēs), itself from (kata), "downwards" + πάλλω (pallō), "to toss, to hurl" | ||
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
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*2: a device for launching an airplane at flying speed (as from an aircraft carrier) | *2: a device for launching an airplane at flying speed (as from an aircraft carrier) | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | A '''catapult''' is a device used to throw or hurl a [ | + | A '''catapult''' is a device used to throw or hurl a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Projectile projectile] a great distance without the aid of explosive devices—particularly various types of ancient and medieval [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_engine siege engines]. Although the catapult has been used since [[ancient]] times, it has proven to be one of the most effective [[mechanisms]] during [[warfare]]. Catapults were invented by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greeks ancient Greeks].[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catapult] |
[[Category: History]] | [[Category: History]] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:43, 12 December 2020
Origin
Middle French or Latin; Middle French catapulte, from Latin catapulta, from Greek katapaltēs, from kata- + pallein to hurl
The word 'catapult' comes from the Latin 'catapulta', which in turn comes from the Greek καταπέλτης (katapeltēs), itself from (kata), "downwards" + πάλλω (pallō), "to toss, to hurl"
Definitions
- 1: an ancient military device for hurling missiles
- 2: a device for launching an airplane at flying speed (as from an aircraft carrier)
Description
A catapult is a device used to throw or hurl a projectile a great distance without the aid of explosive devices—particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines. Although the catapult has been used since ancient times, it has proven to be one of the most effective mechanisms during warfare. Catapults were invented by the ancient Greeks.[1]
