trajectory

[ truh-jek-tuh-ree ]

noun

, plural tra·jec·to·ries.

1. the curve described by a projectile, rocket, or the like in its flight.
2. Geometry. a curve or surface that cuts all the curves or surfaces of a given system at a constant angle.

trajectory

/ -trɪ; trəˈdʒɛktaɪl; trəˈdʒɛktərɪ /

noun

1. the path described by an object moving in air or space under the influence of such forces as thrust, wind resistance, and gravity, esp the curved path of a projectile
2. geometry a curve that cuts a family of curves or surfaces at a constant angle

trajectory

/ trə-jĕk′tə-rē /

1. Physics.
   The line or curve described by an object moving through space.
2. Mathematics.
   A curve or surface that passes through a given set of points or intersects a given series of curves or surfaces at a constant angle.

Derived Forms

• trajectile, adjective

Other Words From

• tra·jec·tile [tr, uh, -, jek, -til, -tahyl], adjective
• tra·jec·tion [tr, uh, -, jek, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of trajectory¹

First recorded in 1660–70; from New Latin trājectōria, noun use of feminine of Medieval Latin trājectōrius “casting over”; equivalent to traject + -tory ¹

Example Sentences

Hill-Maini hopes to see a similar kind of rocket-like trajectory for N. intermedia.

From Salon

He believed that as a result of the policies put in place by President Biden and with the support of states and cities, US emissions would continue their downward trajectory, albeit at a slower pace.

From BBC

The one-term president made it clear he was unhappy with the results but hoped the country would continue the upward trajectory his administration set in motion.

From Salon

Whether a different candidate might have produced a different result is unknowable, but as I’ve already suggested, this outcome was likely overdetermined by the Democratic Party’s trajectory of self-destruction.

From Salon

And yet: I think it’s important to say that all the collective work pushing for a greener world for the past 50 years has also measurably altered the trajectory of our civilization away from a worst-case climate scenario and toward a more verdant world.

From Slate

Related Words

• curve
• orbit
• path