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javelin

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Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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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

Javelin is a light spear designed for throwing, used in hunting, war, and athletic contests.

Detailed Definition
Javelin enters poetry as a dynamic emblem of the thrown force and the flight of the aimed shaft. In classical and modern verse it represents the projectile of skill. Poets use the javelin to explore themes of the release and the arc, the distance of the throw, and the athletic and martial traditions that have linked the javelin to the poetry of the stadium and the hunt.
Example
Example in poetry:
The javelin’s thrown arc and distant landing supply poets with images of released force; Classical and modern verse place the light spear at the center of athletic and martial effort; “The javelin left the hand and the air accepted its long argument” demonstrates directed flight; Educational poetry shows the weapon as the ancestor of later projectiles; Poets use the javelin when intention must travel farther than the arm can reach.
Additional Notes
The javelin’s thrown arc and distant landing supply poets with an image of force that leaves the hand forever. The light spear’s dual history as weapon and athletic implement allows movement between martial and agonistic registers. Classroom discussion can usefully contrast the javelin with the heavier spear or the arrow. Related throwing weapons include the angon and the various forms of the pilum. The image is effective when intention must travel farther than the body can follow.
Other Meanings of “javelin”
Also Known As
Spear Thrower Distance Javelin Athletic Missile Track and Field Weapon
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