"a discus-thrower," 1727, from Latin, from Greek diskobolos, from diskos "quoit, discus" (see disk (n.)) + -bolos "thrower," related to ballein "to throw" (from PIE root *gwele- "to throw, reach"). Especially in reference to a famous ancient Greek bronze statue by Myron (5c. B.C.E.), known now only through Roman copies.
