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catapult
catapult , mechanism used to throw missiles in ancient and medieval warfare. At first, catapults were specifically designed to shoot spears or other missiles at a low trajectory (see bow and arrow ). They were originally distinguished from ballistae and trebuchets, both of which were large military engines used to hurl stones and other missiles, but these distinctions later blurred. Later, larger catapults mounted on a single arm also hurled stones, pots of boiling oil, and incendiaries at a high trajectory. They were used to attack or defend fortifications . Catapults were widely employed in siege warfare, but with the introduction of artillery they passed from use. In the 20th cent. catapults using hydraulic pressure were reintroduced to launch aircraft from warships. |
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"catapult." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "catapult." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-catapult.html "catapult." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-catapult.html |
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catapult
cat·a·pult / ˈkatəˌpəlt; -ˌpoŏlt/ • n. a device in which accumulated tension is suddenly released to hurl an object some distance, in particular: ∎ hist. a military machine worked by a lever and ropes for hurling large stones or other missiles. ∎ a mechanical device for launching a glider or other aircraft, esp. from the deck of a ship. • v. [tr.] hurl or launch (something) in a specified direction with or as if with a catapult: their music catapulted them to the top of the charts. ∎ [intr.] move suddenly or at great speed as though hurled by a catapult: the horse catapulted away from the fence. |
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"catapult." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "catapult." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-catapult.html "catapult." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-catapult.html |
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catapult
catapult n. a device in which accumulated tension is suddenly released to hurl an object some distance, in particular:
1. a military machine worked by a lever and ropes for hurling large stones or other missiles. 2. a mechanical device for launching a glider or other aircraft, especially from the deck of a ship. v. hurl or launch (something) in a specified direction with or as if with a catapult: the plane was refueled and catapulted back into the air again. |
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"catapult." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "catapult." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O63-catapult.html "catapult." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O63-catapult.html |
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catapult
catapult (mil.) missile engine XVI; shooting instrument consisting of a forked stick with elastic band XIX. — (O)F. catapulte or L. catapulta — Gr. katapéltēs, f. CATA- 1 + *pel-, var. base of pállein hurl.
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T. F. HOAD. "catapult." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. T. F. HOAD. "catapult." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-catapult.html T. F. HOAD. "catapult." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-catapult.html |
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catapult
catapult
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•fan belt • seat belt • lifebelt • sunbelt
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•deadbolt • Humboldt • thunderbolt
•megavolt • spoilt • Iseult
•consult, cult, exult, indult, insult, penult, result, ult
•adult • occult • tumult • catapult
•difficult • Hasselt
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"catapult." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "catapult." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-catapult.html "catapult." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-catapult.html |
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