noun
- plural of ballista; ancient military siege engines that launched large projectiles
Usage: historical; military
Examples
- The Roman army deployed several ballistae to breach the enemy fortress.
- Ancient ballistae could hurl stones weighing over 60 pounds.
- The siege was successful thanks to the powerful ballistae positioned on the hill.
- Medieval armies often used ballistae alongside other siege weapons.
- Archaeologists discovered the remains of ballistae at the ancient battlefield.
- The defenders had no answer for the enemy’s massive ballistae.