discus
[dis-kuh s]
- a circular disk more than 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter and 2.2 pounds (1 kg) in weight, usually wooden with a metal rim and thicker in the center than at the edge, for throwing for distance in athletic competition.
- the sport of throwing this disk for distance.
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Origin of discus
1650–60; < Latin < Greek dískos a quoit, discus, disk, derivative of diskeîn to throw
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for discus
Contemporary Examples
So far as I know, no one has ever done this to an Olympic discus thrower.
Jeremy Hunt has introduced a new sport to the Games, to go with the discus, shot put, javelin.
Historical Examples
They were taught to box, to wrestle, to throw the discus, and to hurl the spear.
Introductory American HistoryHenry Eldridge Bourne
And we'll discus it in the presence of nobody, if ye, please.
The Skin Game (Fourth Series Plays)John Galsworthy
Like throwing the discus, it calls for strength, speed and courage.
CampingAlexandra G. Lockwine
Burly Drake cast the discus one hundred and thirty-four feet.
Bert Wilson, Marathon WinnerJ. W. Duffield
The throwers of the discus and the hammer were naturally at some disadvantage.
Bert Wilson, Marathon WinnerJ. W. Duffield
discus
- (originally) a circular stone or plate used in throwing competitions by the ancient Greeks
- athletics
- a similar disc-shaped object with a heavy middle thrown by athletes
- (as modifier)a discus thrower
- the discus the event or sport of throwing the discus
- a South American cichlid fish, Symphysodon discus, that has a compressed coloured body and is a popular aquarium fish
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Word Origin
C17: from Latin, from Greek diskos from dikein to throw
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for discus
n.
1650s, from Latin discus "discus, disk," from Greek diskos "disk, quoit, platter."
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
discus
(dĭs′kəs)- A flat circular surface; a disk.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.