arrow
UK[ˈær.əʊ]US[ˈer.oʊ]
n
a thin, straight, pointed weapon that is shot from a bow
n
a sign consisting of a straight line with a triangle at one end, used to show direction or point to something
Etymology
the word 'arrow' originates from the old english 'arwe', which is related to the old norse 'ör'. these germanic terms likely derive from the proto-germanic 'arhwō', a word for arrow and bow. the ultimate proto-indo-european root is believed to be 'arku-', meaning 'bow' or 'belonging to the bow', which also gave rise to the latin 'arcus' (meaning bow, arch). the semantic journey is direct, from a term for the projectile weapon to its modern use as a directional symbol, reflecting its fundamental association with pointed, linear flight.
Analysis
the word 'arrow' is a simplex word of germanic origin. it does not lend itself to segmentation into meaningful sub-parts in modern english.
Examples
the archer carefully aimed the arrow at the target.
follow the red arrow to find the exit.
the arrow on the map indicates north.