I. härˈpün, hȧˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably from Dutch harpoen, from Middle Dutch, from Old French harpon brooch, from harper to grapple, grasp, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Icelandic harpa to pinch, squeeze together; probably akin to Old Norse harpa harp, Old English hearpe — more at harp
1. : a throwing weapon used in hunting large fish and sea animals ; specifically : a barbed whaling spear thrown by hand or shot from a gun that has a flat triangular head usually detachable and sharpened at both edges, a long shaft, and a strong line for making the whale fast to the pursuing boat — compare toggle iron
2. : a medical instrument with a barbed head used for removing bits of living tissue for examination
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to strike or capture with or as if with a harpoon
harpoon a whale
harpoon an olive