woomera

[ woom-er-uh ]

noun

1. a notched stick used by Australian Aboriginal peoples to propel spears or darts.

woomera

¹

/ ˈwʊmərə /

noun

1. a type of notched stick used by native Australians to increase leverage and propulsion in the throwing of a spear

Woomera

²

/ ˈwʊmərə /

noun

1. a town in South Australia: site of the Long Range Weapons Establishment. Pop: 602 (2001)

Word History and Origins

Origin of woomera¹

First recorded in 1810–20, woomera is from the Dharuk word wu-ma-ra

Word History and Origins

Origin of woomera¹

from a native Australian language

Example Sentences

As the hand moves forward the spear is released by uplifting the forefinger, and the woomera remains in the hand.

From Project Gutenberg

In the handle end of the woomera a sharp flint is often set, forming a sort of chisel.

From Project Gutenberg

Forty five minutes later the reports clattered in from Cairo and Woomera.

From Project Gutenberg