English Dictionary

Definition of “discus

discus (ˈdɪskəsPronunciation for discus

Definitions

noun

Word forms: plural, discuses, disci, ˈdɪskaɪ
  1. (originally) a circular stone or plate used in throwing competitions by the ancient Greeks
  2. athletics 
    1. a similar disc-shaped object with a heavy middle thrown by athletes
    2. ((as modifier)  ⇒ a discus thrower 
  3. See the discus
  4. a South American cichlid fish, a South American cichlid fish, Symphysodon discus, that has a compressed coloured body and is a popular aquarium fish

Word Origin

C17: from Latin, from Greek diskos  from dikein to throw

Usage examples

  • Men watch women's tennis for similarly carnal reasons (though the same does not apply to women's javelin or discus throwing).
    Spiked (2003)
  • The competition discs more resemble the athletics discus than the recreational frisbee.
    The Mercury, Sunday Tasmanian (2004)
  • Kirsty Law (Fortrose Academy) recorded a throws double winning the intermediate shot and discus titles.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • The pole is phallic, with the discus at the top as the feminine symbol.
    Cooper, J C, The Aquarian Dictionary of Festivals (1990)

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