ballista

[ buh-lis-tuh ]

noun

, plural bal·lis·tae [b, uh, -, lis, -tee].

1. an ancient military engine for throwing stones or other missiles.

ballista

/ bəˈlɪstə /

noun

1. an ancient catapult for hurling stones, etc
2. an ancient form of large crossbow used to propel a spear

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballista¹

1590–1600; < Latin, probably < Greek *ballistā́s, dialectal variant of *ballistḗs, equivalent to báll ( ein ) to throw + -istēs -ist

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballista¹

C16: from Latin, ultimately from Greek ballein to throw

Example Sentences

Lightning flashed, illuminating several perched threateningly over the car with the makeshift ballista they had constructed.

From Washington Post

The dwarf frolicked over to the nearest ballista, which his red-furred friend was priming to launch.

From Literature

“The ballista fired the first dwarf in that direction, I think. Come on.”

From Literature

After all, Leo had started the war with Camp Jupiter by firing a ballista into the Forum.

From Literature

She wondered whether she could make it to the ballista.

From Literature

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