1. a leather strap or thong attached to a javelin or dart to aid in throwing
Usage: historical; chiefly used in ancient Roman and Greek contexts
2. a catkin; a spike of flowers or fruits without petals
Usage: botany; rare in modern English; more commonly called 'catkin'

Examples

• Roman soldiers used an amentum to increase the distance and accuracy of their javelin throws.
• The amentum was wound around the shaft of the weapon before release.
• Ancient texts describe the amentum as essential equipment for light infantry.
• The birch tree's amentum hung delicately from the branches in spring.
• Botanists sometimes refer to the willow's flowering structure as an amentum.