slingshot

Etymology

sling + shot

noun

1. (chiefly US) A Y-shaped stick with an elastic sling between the arms used for shooting small projectiles.
2. (pinball) A stationary, often triangular object that launches any ball that hits its longest side back at a high force, now usually located above the flipper and between it and the inlane, with one each for both lower flippers.
3. A sling bikini.
4. (powerlifting) An implement of a broad fabric worn around and connecting both bicipites brachii to support benching the most heavy weights.

verb

1. To move or cause to move in a manner resembling a projectile shot from a slingshot.
2. (especially) To use the gravity of a moving planet to add momentum to a spacecraft.
   The shuttle will slingshot around Jupiter on its way to Saturn.