projectile

[ pruh-jek-til, -tahyl ]

noun

1. an object fired from a gun with an explosive propelling charge, such as a bullet, shell, rocket, or grenade.
2. a body projected or impelled forward, as through the air.

adjective

1. impelling or driving forward, as a force.
2. caused by impulse, as motion.
3. capable of being impelled forward, as a missile.
4. Zoology. protrusile, as the jaws of a fish.

projectile

/ prəˈdʒɛktaɪl /

noun

1. an object or body thrown forwards
2. any self-propelling missile, esp one powered by a rocket or the rocket itself
3. any object that can be fired from a gun, such as a bullet or shell

adjective

1. capable of being or designed to be hurled forwards
2. projecting or thrusting forwards
3. zoology another word for protrusile

Word History and Origins

Origin of projectile¹

1655–65; < New Latin, neuter of prōjectilis (adj.) projecting. See project, -ile

Word History and Origins

Origin of projectile¹

C17: from New Latin prōjectilis jutting forwards

Related Words

• arrow
• bullet
• dart
• missile
• rocket
• torpedo