arrow etymology

Etymology

The word "arrow" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂er-, meaning "to throw, to shoot." This root is also found in other words related to projectiles and weaponry, such as "arrowhead," "artillery," and "archery."

Meaning and Origin

An arrow is a pointed projectile weapon that is fired from a bow. It typically consists of a long, thin shaft made of wood or metal, with a sharp point at one end and feathers or a notch at the other end to stabilize its flight.

Arrows have been used as weapons since prehistoric times. They were a primary means of warfare and hunting for many ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans. Arrows were also used for sport and recreation, such as target archery and hunting.

In the modern world, arrows are still used for target archery, which is a competitive sport. They are also used for hunting and fishing in some parts of the world. However, arrows have been largely replaced by firearms as a weapon of war.

Additional Notes

  • The term "arrow" can also refer to a symbol or icon that resembles the shape of an arrow, such as the arrow used to indicate direction on a map or the arrow used to designate a hyperlink on a computer screen.
  • The phrase "straight as an arrow" is used to describe something that is perfectly aligned or direct.
  • The phrase "to shoot an arrow in the dark" means to take a guess or to speculate about something without knowing all the facts.

arrow relate terms

  • arrow head

    Etymology arrow Old English arewe from Proto Germanic arwō head Middle English hed

  • arrow

    Etymology The word arrow is derived from the Proto Indo European root h₂er meaning

  • head

    Etymology The word head comes from the Old English word heafod which itself derives

  • arrow root

    Etymology The word arrowroot comes from the Arawak Native American word arou arou wh

  • arrow

    Etymology The word arrow is derived from the Proto Indo European root h₂er meaning

  • root

    Etymology The word root derives from the Old English word rōt which is of Germanic

  • quarrel

    Etymology Middle English querele Old French querele Latin querela meaning complain

  • pile

    Etymology The word pile comes from Middle English pile which is derived from the Ol

  • bolt

    Etymology The word bolt comes from the Old English word bolt which means a short t

  • barb

    Etymology The word barb comes from the Middle English word barbe itself derived fro

  • dart

    Etymology Old English dart Vulgar Latin dartus a javelin Proto Celtic dart o

  • chelicerae

    Etymology The term chelicerae is derived from two Greek words Cheilos Meaning lip

  • devoid

    Etymology From Middle English devet devoyde from Old French devoidier from Late Lati

  • protein

    Etymology The word protein comes from the Greek word prōtos meaning first or pr

  • mark

    Etymology The name Mark is derived from the Proto Indo European root merk meaning

  • nave

    Etymology The word nave comes from the Latin word navis which means ship Meaning