1. an ancient military weapon that worked like a giant crossbow for hurling large stones or other missiles
Usage: historical

Examples

• The Roman army used ballistae to attack enemy fortifications.
• Ancient engineers designed the ballista to launch heavy projectiles with great accuracy.
• The ballista could hurl stones weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Medieval castles often had ballistae mounted on their walls for defense.
• Archaeologists discovered the remains of a ballista at the Roman fort.
• The ballista was more accurate than a catapult but required more skill to operate.