The word "harpoon" is a noun that refers to a long spear-like tool used for fishing. Its spelling can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription as /hɑːˈpuːn/. The initial "h" sound is followed by a long "a" sound, represented by the symbol "ɑː". The second syllable is pronounced as "poon," with a long "oo" sound represented by the symbol "uː". Overall, the word is pronounced as "hahr-poon." When spelling the word, it is important to remember the double "o" and the presence of the letter "h" at the beginning.
A harpoon refers to a specialized weapon or implement designed for hunting or capturing aquatic animals, particularly whales or large fish. It is typically a long, spear-shaped instrument that features a sharp, barbed point at one end and an attached rope or line at the other. The primary purpose of a harpoon is to impale and secure a targeted animal, thereby enabling hunters to control and eventually bring the creature to the surface.
Harpoons have been used by various cultures throughout history as an essential tool for fishing or whaling activities. Traditionally made from materials such as wood, bone, or metal, they have evolved over time to incorporate advanced materials like steel or titanium. Harpoons can be propelled manually by hunters, who aim and thrust them towards their intended prey, or they can be launched using a specialized projectile, such as a harpoon gun, to increase accuracy and power.
In addition to their primary function as hunting tools, harpoons also serve other purposes today. Some harpoons are utilized in scientific research to biopsy whales by extracting small tissue samples. Furthermore, harpoons have also been adapted for use in specific sports or recreational activities related to underwater hunting or fishing.
Overall, the harpoon is an ancient and versatile instrument that has played a significant role in marine hunting and fishing, offering a means for capturing and controlling large aquatic animals in various contexts.
A small, sharp-pointed instrument with a barbed head used for extracting bits of muscular and other tissue for microscopical examination.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• A long-shafted barbed spear, used in catching whales, &c.
• To strike or kill with a harpoon.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "harpoon" originated from the Dutch word "harpoen", which itself came from the Low German word "harpuun". This Low German term likely came from a combination of the Old Frisian word "herpon" (to seize) and the Old Saxon word "herpi" (a barb, spear). The use of harpoons as hunting weapons or tools to catch fish and large marine animals, such as whales, has a long history and can be traced back to various ancient cultures. The term "harpoon" has been in use in English since the 17th century.