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projectile

noun

/prəˈdʒɛktʌɪl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of projectile

An object that is propelled through the air, typically by some kind of force or energy.
"The projectile struck the target with a loud thud."

Detailed meaning of projectile

A projectile is Projectiles can take many forms, from bullets fired from a gun to a baseball thrown by a pitcher. The key characteristic of a projectile is that once it is launched, it follows a parabolic trajectory determined by its initial velocity, angle of launch, and the force of gravity. Projectiles can be influenced by other forces as well, such as wind resistance or air resistance, which can alter their trajectory and speed. The study of projectiles is an important area of physics, and understanding the principles of projectile motion is crucial in fields such as engineering, ballistics, and sports science. Projectiles can pose a danger to people and property, particularly if they are not launched in a controlled or safe manner, so proper precautions and safety measures must be taken when handling or using them.

Example sentences containing projectile

1. The projectile soared through the air with great speed.
2. The physics teacher explained how to calculate the velocity of a projectile.
3. The soldiers fired their projectiles towards the enemy's fortifications.
4. The baseball pitcher threw the projectile with incredible accuracy.
5. The engineer designed a new type of projectile for the military.
6. The hunter carefully aimed his projectile at the deer.

History and etymology of projectile

The noun 'projectile' has its etymology rooted in the Latin word 'projectilis,' which is derived from 'proicere,' meaning 'to throw forward' or 'to cast forth.' In Latin, 'projectilis' referred to something that could be thrown or propelled forward, such as a missile or object launched through the air. As this concept made its way into Old French as 'projectile' and later into English, it retained its core meaning of an object that is propelled through the air, typically by some kind of force or energy. The etymology of 'projectile' underscores its historical association with the idea of forward propulsion or launching, emphasizing its role in describing objects designed to travel through the air when acted upon by force, like bullets, arrows, or missiles.

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Further usage examples of projectile

1. The children were fascinated by the trajectory of the projectile as it flew through the air.
2. The archer released the projectile from his bow with a smooth motion.
3. The cannon fired a massive projectile towards the enemy lines.
4. The forensic investigator determined the type of projectile that had caused the victim's injuries.
5. The students conducted experiments to study the effects of different angles on the trajectory of a projectile.
6. The archer aimed the projectile at the distant target.
7. The scientist studied the trajectory of the projectile.
8. The military tested the accuracy of their new projectile.
9. A projectile flew from the slingshot with incredible speed.
10. The baseball pitcher threw the projectile with precision.
11. The cannon fired a massive projectile across the battlefield.
12. The detective examined the crime scene for any projectiles.
13. The engineer designed a sleek, aerodynamic projectile.
14. The meteorologist tracked the path of the incoming projectile.
15. The ancient trebuchet could launch heavy projectiles.
16. The artillerist loaded the cannonball as the next projectile.
17. The astronauts observed a satellite launch as a distant projectile.
18. The video game character fired projectiles at the enemies.
19. The goalie blocked the soccer ball, a fast-moving projectile.
20. The physics class discussed the principles of projectile motion.
21. The snowball fight featured children throwing projectiles.
22. The police analyzed the bullet as a forensic projectile.
23. The science experiment involved launching a projectile.
24. The fireworks display included colorful explosive projectiles.
25. The superhero's superpower was the ability to control projectiles.