rhizoverbBeta
DictionarytridentThree-pronged spear
noun

trident

TRY-dunt/ˈtraɪdnt/

A spear with three pointed prongs.

The trident's long shaft ends in three sharp metal prongs.

An isolated long-shafted spear with a clearly visible metal head ending in exactly three sharp points.
Etymology
triLatinthree
+dentLatintooth

The pieces mean “three” and “tooth”: the spear’s sharp prongs are pictured as teeth. Latin used the adjective “three-toothed” as a noun for the weapon.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain105:22
instead of a scepter Neptune carried a trident
Alexander the Great Biography (Audiobook)

More examples

  • The fisherman uses a trident to spear fish in shallow water.
  • Two ancient tridents lie inside the museum's glass case.
  • The actor carries a wooden trident onto the stage.

Forms

trident · tridents

Similar words

spear
A broader term, usually for a weapon with one point.
harpoon
A barbed hunting spear, not necessarily equipped with three prongs.