A spear-thrower or atlatl (/ˈɑːt.lɑːtəl//ˈæt.lætəl/; Nahuatl:ahtlatl Nahuatl pronunciation:[ˈaʔt͡ɬat͡ɬ]) is a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in dart-throwing, and includes a bearing surface which allows the user to store energy during the throw.