Ballistae – Definition & Meaning

Ballistae are ancient weapons that were used in warfare to launch projectiles at the enemy. These weapons were used by the Greeks and the Romans during their battles. In this article, we will discuss the definition and meaning of ballistae.

Definitions

Ballistae are weapons that were used in ancient times to launch projectiles at the enemy. They were similar to modern-day crossbows but much larger and more powerful. Ballistae were used to launch large stones, arrows, and other projectiles at the enemy.

Origin

The ballistae were invented by the Greeks in the 4th century BC. They were later adopted by the Romans and became a popular weapon in their army. The ballistae were used in many battles, including the siege of Syracuse in 214 BC and the siege of Alesia in 52 BC.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, ballistae are “ancient artillery machines used for throwing large stones, darts, or arrows.” Merriam-Webster defines ballistae as “an ancient military engine for hurling stones, arrows, or other missiles.”

Associations

Ballistae are associated with ancient warfare and are often depicted in movies and TV shows set in ancient times. They are also associated with the Greeks and Romans, who were known for their military prowess and advanced weaponry.

Synonyms

Synonyms for ballistae include catapults, trebuchets, and siege engines.

Antonyms

Antonyms for ballistae include peace, diplomacy, and negotiation.

The same root words

The root word of ballistae is “ballista,” which comes from the Greek word “ballein,” meaning “to throw.” Other words that come from the same root include ballistic, ballistics, and ballistocardiography.

Example Sentences

1. The Romans used ballistae to launch large stones at their enemies during battle.
2. The Greeks invented the ballistae in the 4th century BC.
3. The siege of Syracuse was won by the Romans thanks to their powerful ballistae.
4. The ballistae were a formidable weapon in ancient warfare.
5. The ballistae were used to launch arrows and other projectiles at the enemy.