ballistics

American  

[buh-lis-tiks] / bəˈlɪs tɪks /

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.

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ballistics British  

/ 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 )

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ballistics Scientific  

/ bə-lĭs′tĭks /

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

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Other Word Forms

• ballistician noun

Etymology

Origin of ballistics

First recorded in 1745–55; ballistic, -ics

Example Sentences

Commenting on the combined use of aerial weapons, Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said: "The enemy is improving its own tactics of using drones, while simultaneously striking with ballistics."

From BBC • May 24, 2025

However, ballistics experts — including one who testified for the prosecutors during Baldwin’s grand jury proceeding, have cast doubt on Baldwin’s claims.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2024

A government ballistics expert says the issue is "a top-line threat priority".

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2024

“I’m assuming in January they’ll have a ballistics report telling us whether it’s worked and then they’ll have a witness who actually saw her with a gun,” he said.

From Washington Times • Nov. 2, 2023

The frontispiece to that book shows Euclid controlling the gate which leads not only to knowledge of ballistics but to all philosophy.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton