Agency Dictionary
Projectile
nounPronunciation: /prəˈdʒɛk.taɪl/
In Portuguese: Projétil
Science & HealthWhat does “Projectile” mean?
An object thrown, fired, or propelled through the air by external force.
Etymology
From New Latin prōiectilis, formed on Latin prōiectus, the perfect passive participle of prōiciō (to throw forth, to extend, to expel), from pro- (forward) and iacere (to throw). French projectile has the same source.
Usage note
Projectile is the broader term: a bullet, a stone thrown by hand, and a rocket are all projectiles. Missile usually implies a guided or rocket-propelled weapon.
Synonyms
- missile
- shell
- bullet
- slug
Word family
- project
- projection
- projector
Usage examples
As I saw the projectile shattering into pieces, I couldn’t tell what could have possibly happened for me to get hit by a piece of chalk in the teeth until I saw Pietro at the very back of the room with the mischievous smile that he always made when he was up to something.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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