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

Example Sentences

“The missiles come down from the sky,” Mehdi said, gesturing the arc of a projectile falling to earth, “and suddenly everything you have is gone.”

From BBC

He recalled seeing the “bloody remains” of Chicano journalist Ruben Salazar, who was killed by a tear gas projectile fired by a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy at the Silver Dollar Bar that day.

From Los Angeles Times

UC Merced wants five projectile launchers and 100 sponge rounds, requests approved last year but not yet purchased.

From Los Angeles Times

UC San Francisco is asking for 11 rifles, 10 projectile launchers and three drones.

From Los Angeles Times

Sunday’s strike did not cause any serious damage or direct injuries, Israeli officials said, but triggered pointed questions as to how the projectile was able to travel so far into Israeli airspace.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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