CEFR C1

sarissa

noun

Meaning

A very long pike, typically 13 to 21 feet (4 to 6.5 meters) in length, used as a primary weapon by the Macedonian army, especially during the Hellenistic period.

Examples

The phalangites advanced, their sarissas held high to form an impenetrable hedge of spears.
Philip II of Macedon equipped his army with the sarissa, revolutionizing infantry tactics.

Synonyms: pike, spear

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sarissa (C1)

noun

Pronunciation: /səˈrɪsə/

Definition

A very long pike, typically 13 to 21 feet (4 to 6.5 meters) in length, used as a primary weapon by the Macedonian army, especially during the Hellenistic period.

Examples

The phalangites advanced, their sarissas held high to form an impenetrable hedge of spears.
Philip II of Macedon equipped his army with the sarissa, revolutionizing infantry tactics.

How to Use sarissa

use of the sarissa (collocation): The act of employing the sarissa as a weapon. — "The effectiveness of the sarissa was demonstrated in numerous battles."
wield a sarissa (collocation): To hold and use a sarissa, typically in combat. — "Soldiers were trained from a young age to wield a sarissa effectively."

Synonyms of sarissa

Words with a similar meaning to sarissa:

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