The word "bowstring" is spelled with two syllables and pronounced as /ˈboʊˌstrɪŋ/. The first syllable is pronounced as 'boh' with a long vowel sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as 'string', with a short 'i' sound. It refers to the string used to draw and fire a bow, typically made of a strong, flexible material such as stretched animal gut. As one of the parts of a traditional bow and arrow, the bowstring plays a crucial role in the weapon's functionality and accuracy.
A bowstring is a fundamental element of a bow, typically made of strong and flexible materials such as nylon, Dacron, or natural fibers like hemp or silk. It is a long, thin cord that connects the two ends of a bow, forming a tight and elastic loop. The primary purpose of a bowstring is to transmit the force generated by the archer to the limbs of the bow, propelling the arrow forward.
Bowstrings are commonly used in traditional archery and modern archery, including Olympic-style archery and recreational shooting. They come in various lengths and thicknesses to accommodate the specific requirements of different bows and archers. The length of the bowstring corresponds to the bow's draw length, which is the distance the string must be drawn back to its fullest extent before releasing it.
A properly fitted and well-maintained bowstring is essential for accuracy, power, and consistency in archery. It should be free from fraying or wear and regularly inspected or replaced to ensure optimal performance. In some cases, bowstrings may have additional components like serving for reinforcement, string silencers to reduce noise and vibration, or nocking points for consistent arrow placement.
Overall, the bowstring is a critical component for the successful operation of a bow, providing the necessary kinetic energy transfer from the archer's draw to the launched arrow. It serves as the connecting link between the archer, their bow, and the arrow, facilitating efficient and precise shooting in the sport of archery.
String of a bow; a string or cord used by the Turks in putting criminals to death by strangling them.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "bowstring" can be traced back to Old English. The term consists of two elements: "bow" referring to the weapon used for shooting projectiles, and "string" indicating the string used to draw the bow to shoot arrows. The Old English word for "bow" was "boga", which derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bugon". The term "string" stems from the Old English word "streng" or "strengu", which came from the Proto-Germanic word "strangiz". Over time, the combination of "boga" and "streng" in Old English gave rise to the word "bowstring", which persists in Modern English.