ballistics

[ buh-lis-tiks ]

noun(usually used with a singular verb)
  1. the science or study of the motion of projectiles, as bullets, shells, or bombs.

  2. the art or science of designing projectiles for maximum flight performance.

Origin of ballistics

1
First recorded in 1745–55; see origin at ballistic, -ics

Other words from ballistics

  • bal·lis·ti·cian [bal-uh-stish-uhn], /ˌbæl əˈstɪʃ ən/, noun

Words Nearby ballistics

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How to use ballistics in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ballistics

ballistics

/ (bəˈlɪstɪks) /


noun
  1. (functioning as singular) the study of the flight dynamics of projectiles, either through the interaction of the forces of propulsion, the aerodynamics of the projectile, atmospheric resistance, and gravity (exterior ballistics), or through these forces along with the means of propulsion, and the design of the propelling weapon and projectile (interior ballistics)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for ballistics

ballistics

[ bə-lĭstĭks ]


  1. The scientific study of the characteristics of projectiles, such as bullets or missiles, and the way they move in flight.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.