The word "arrow" is spelled with five letters: A-R-R-O-W. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈæroʊ/. The first sound is the short "a" sound, followed by the rolled "r" sound. The "o" is pronounced like the "o" in "go", and the final "w" sound is pronounced with a rounded lip. The combination of these sounds creates the unique pronunciation of the word "arrow". Remembering the spelling and pronunciation of this word can be useful when discussing archery or navigating directions.
Arrow:
noun
1. A slender, pointed weapon or tool, typically made of wood or metal, with feathered vanes at one end and a sharp pointed tip at the other, designed to be shot from a bow. Arrows are used for hunting, warfare, and sport, and are propelled through the air by the force of tension applied to the bowstring.
2. A graphic symbol in the shape of a pointed line, which is commonly used to indicate direction or movement.
3. In mathematics, an arrow, or an arrow notation, is used to denote the relationship between ordered pairs of numbers in a function. It is represented by a → b, where a is the input value and b is the output value.
4. A narrow, or linear, component of something more extensive or complex. For instance, in graph theory, an arrow is a directed line segment connecting two nodes, indicating a directed relationship.
5. A precise, focused action or activity, often executed skillfully or quickly, as in "getting straight to the arrow of the problem."
6. A decorative element often used in design, consisting of a straight line with a v-shaped notch at one end resembling a traditional arrowhead. Arrows in design are commonly utilized to draw attention, indicate a direction, or show progression.
The word "arrow" has been prevalent in many cultures throughout history, representing weaponry, direction, function, and symbolism, making it a versatile and multi-faceted term.
An arrow-shaped instrument. A slender, sharp-pointed rod of silver nitrate or other caustic adapted for insertion into a tumor.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A pointed and barbed weapon of war shot from a bow, not now used as such in Europe; a long rod pointed sharply, and barbed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "arrow" has its origins from the Old English word "earh" or "arwe", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "arkhwo" or "arkhwan" meaning "bow" or "arrow". This word can be related to the old Norse "ör" and Danish "aar", which also mean "arrow". The historical root can be connected to the Proto-Indo-European word "h₂érh₃os" or "h₂reh₁s", conveying the idea of a projectile or a throw.