Main Entry:

bal·lis·ta

Pronunciation:

\bə-ˈlis-tə\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural bal·lis·tae \-ˌtē\

Etymology:

Latin, from Greek *ballistēs, from ballein to throw — more at devil

Date:

14th century

: an ancient military engine often in the form of a crossbow for hurling large missiles