Home › Glossary › Letter J

javelin

Archaic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A light spear thrown by hand in battle or sport—evoking classical or medieval warfare in heroic poetry.

Detailed Definition
The “javelin” evokes classical and medieval combat, symbolizing swift, precise force. In poetry, it describes martial skill or sudden attack. Its phallic and projectile nature enriches metaphor—love’s javelin, fate’s dart. Poets use it to dramatize decisive moments where distance collapses into impact, reinforcing themes of vulnerability, aim, and consequence.
Example
Example in poetry:
“The javelin flew swift and sure,” in a battle epic; In Homer-inspired verse: “He cast the javelin with godlike aim”; “Her words were javelins, piercing pride,” a metaphorical use; “The javelin of truth strikes deep,” declares the satirist; “At dawn, the javelin of light pierced the clouds”; The hero’s javelin bore his crest and fate.
Additional Notes
“Javelin” symbolizes swift, targeted aggression; in classical or chivalric verse, it contrasts with the sword’s intimacy, representing distance warfare, athletic prowess, or divine thunderbolts in mythological allusion.
Other Meanings of “javelin”
Also Known As
spear lance dart
Skip to main content