discus

/ˈdɪskəs/

/ˈdɪskəs/

Other forms: disci; discuses

Discus is the track and field sport in which athletes throw a heavy, circular plate, also known as a discus.

Imagine a Frisbee, but much heavier — that's what a discus is like. To throw it, an athlete spins around in a circle to "wind up" before flinging the discus as hard as she can. It must land in a certain area, and the thrower whose discus has traveled farthest wins. Discus means "disc" in Greek, and this sport was included in the original Ancient Greek Olympics.

Definitions of discus

1. noun

   an athletic competition in which a disk-shaped object is thrown as far as possible
   type of:

   field event

   a competition that takes place on a field rather than on a running track
2. noun

   a disk used in throwing competitions
   synonyms: saucer

   type of:

   disc, disk

   a flat circular plate

   sports equipment

   equipment needed to participate in a particular sport