scimitar

/ˈsɪmɪtər/
IPA guide

Other forms: scimitars

A scimitar is a short, curved sword that comes from the Middle East. It was commonly used back in the days of horse warfare.

A scimitar is distinctive-looking sword, with its short, curved blade. It shows up a lot as a symbol in various Arab cultures, including on the Saudi Arabian flag. The origin of the word scimitar isn't certain, though it may come from shafsher, "lion's claw" in Persian, which describes the scimitar's curved shape.

Definitions of scimitar
  1. noun
    a curved saber used in Eastern countries; the edge is on the convex side of the blade
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    type of:
    cavalry sword, saber, sabre
    a stout sword with a curved blade and thick back
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