Flèches

Flèches is the plural of flèche in French and can refer to several related concepts centered on the idea of an arrow or marker. In archery, a flèche is a projectile fired from a bow. A typical flèche consists of a shaft, a pointed tip, a nock to attach to the bowstring, and fletching made of feathers or vanes to stabilize flight. Modern materials include wood, aluminum, carbon fiber, and composites, with a range of spine stiffness and weights for target or hunting use.

In graphic notation and typography, flèche is the term for an arrow symbol used to indicate direction, flow, or connection—such as in diagrams, maps, or user interfaces. In mathematics and logic, an arrow denotes a relation or a function from one set to another; French-language texts speak of a flèche to describe such mappings.

Geographically, Flèches also appears in place names or as part of toponyms, notably La Flèche, a commune in the Sarthe department of western France. The plural form may also arise in local or historical contexts and in brand or artistic usage where the arrow motif is invoked.

The term thus spans sport, notation, and geography, all drawing on the same symbolic idea of direction, aim, or linkage embodied by an arrow.