slingshot

Plural: slingshots

Noun

• a plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones
• A Y-shaped stick with an elastic sling between the arms used for shooting small projectiles.
• A stationary, often triangular object that launches any ball that hits its longest side back at a high force, now usually located above the flipper and between it and the inlane, with one each for both lower flippers.
• A sling bikini.
• An implement of a broad fabric worn around and connecting both bicipites brachii to support benching the most heavy weights.
• The act of passing cars queuing in the left-hand lane and using the right-hand lane to go around a roundabout, exiting at the desired junction having avoided the queue.
• Synonym of slingshot effect.

Verb

• To move or cause to move in a manner resembling a projectile shot from a slingshot.
• To use the gravity of a moving planet to add momentum to a spacecraft.
• To perform the slingshot manoeuvre (see Noun).

Examples

• The shuttle will slingshot around Jupiter on its way to Saturn.

Synonyms

catapult, sling, bean shooter, flip, hand catapult, shanghai, slingshot effect

Related Words

gravity assist