The word ballistic is often used in different contexts, but what does it really mean? This article aims to provide a comprehensive definition and understanding of the term ballistic.
Definitions
Ballistic refers to the science of the motion of projectiles, such as bullets, missiles, and rockets. It also pertains to the study of the trajectory, velocity, and impact of these objects. In a broader sense, ballistic can also refer to the study of the motion of any object that is propelled or thrown.
Origin
The word ballistic comes from the Greek word “ballistos,” which means “to throw.” It was first used in the 17th century to describe the study of the motion of projectiles.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, ballistic means “relating to projectiles or their flight.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “relating to the science of the motion of projectiles in flight.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “relating to the movement of objects that are thrown or shot through the air.”
Associations
Ballistic is often associated with firearms, military weaponry, and space exploration. It is also used in sports, particularly in ballistics events like archery, javelin throw, and shot put.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of ballistic include projectile, missile, rocket, bullet, and shell. Other related words are trajectory, velocity, and impact.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of ballistic, but some words that are opposite in meaning include stationary, immobile, and motionless.
The same root words
The word ballistic shares the same root word with other terms such as ballistics, ballistocardiogram, and ballistospore.
Example Sentences
- The ballistic missile was launched towards its target.
- The forensic expert analyzed the ballistic evidence from the crime scene.
- The athlete’s ballistics performance was impressive, breaking the world record.
- The spacecraft’s ballistic trajectory was calculated to reach Mars.
- The ballistocardiogram showed irregular heartbeats in the patient.