ballistics

bal-lis-tics · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The science of the motion of projectiles, such as bullets, bombs, or rockets.

  2. 2.

    [forensics]The analysis of firearms and ammunition, especially to match bullets to specific weapons.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    ballistic missile — A missile that follows a ballistic trajectory.
  • •
    go ballistic — To become extremely angry or out of control.
  • •
    forensic ballistics — The examination of firearms evidence.

Related words

See also: firearms, forensics, projectile, trajectory
Synonyms: projectile_science

Etymology

From Latin ballista ("a military machine for throwing stones"), from Greek ballein ("to throw") + -ics (forming names of sciences).