An arrow is a slender, hopefully straight, generally pointed missile or weapon made to be shot from a bow and equipped with feathers (fletching) at the rear-end of the shaft near the nock for controlling flight.
An arrow designed to be released from a crossbow is referred to as a "bolt" or "quarrel" and is shorter than the traditional arrow which could measure up to a cloth-yard long if made for the medieval longbow.
An arrow can also refer to a directional image similar in appearance to an actual arrow.