dart thrower
1
8.2
- noun
- Specialized
- A skilled hunter can launch a spear much farther using a dart thrower than by hand alone.
Examples
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The ancient Aztecs used a dart thrower called an atlatl to hunt animals.
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Researchers found a dart thrower among the artifacts at the archeological site.
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The dart thrower was made from local materials.
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Many dart throwers are crafted by skilled artisans.
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The ancient Aztecs used a dart thrower called an atlatl to hunt animals.
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Researchers found a dart thrower among the artifacts at the archeological site.
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A skilled hunter can launch a spear much farther using a dart thrower than by hand alone.
Synonyms
5
5.3
A simple weapon made from a forked stick and strap for throwing small stones
1
8.2
A tool for throwing a spear or dart much farther than by hand
1
9.9
A large ancient weapon that shoots heavy arrows or stones during war
1
8.9
A wooden tool used to throw a spear farther and faster
A flat wooden tool used like a sling to throw a spear farther
How Far
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning ('a device or person that propels darts') is directly and compositionally derived from 'dart' (a small pointed missile) + 'thrower' (one who propels objects). This follows a common noun+agent/product compound pattern and is cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning (perhaps with minor ambiguity about person vs. tool).
Etymology
Dart thrower is the name for a simple hunting tool used to launch a dart much farther than by hand. It works like a short stick or sling that gives the thrower extra speed, so the name shows its job: 'to throw farther'.