ballista
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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The small nocturnal arachnid has been nicknamed the ballista spider after the ancient Roman siege weapon that launched bolts and stones using stored tension.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 26, 2026
During daylight hours, the ballista spider remains hidden beneath a leaf positioned above areas where green tree ants are actively foraging.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 26, 2026
Though it is yet to be formally named, scientists have nicknamed the tiny spider "ballista", after the ancient weapon used to hurl stones in battle.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026
The distinctive shape—two ball-shaped curves flanking an imposing central column—is much closer to Game of Thrones’ weaponry than a torsion-driven ballista.
From Slate ● May 7, 2019
The dwarf frolicked over to the nearest ballista, which his red-furred friend was priming to launch.
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
“Scorpions,” ballistae developed by Hand of the Queen Qyburn, posed the primary threat to Drogon.
From Slate ● May 13, 2019
Although many people have identified the scorpion as a type of ballista, it lacks the torsion springs that ballistae use to thrust their projectile forward with such incredible force.
From Slate ● May 7, 2019
“Second, I don’t think the ballistae will do any good. That shell is like Nemean Lion skin. Its head isn’t any softer.”
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
“Bah. Fine. Just don’t take too long, or I’m coming after you with ballistae blazing.”
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
They’d dug in with their usual military precision - ten-foot-deep trenches and spiked earthen walls around the perimeter, a watchtower on each corner armed with ballistae.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
