trajectory

[truh-jek-tuh-ree]

noun

plural

trajectories 

1. the curve described by a projectile, rocket, or the like in its flight.

2. Geometry.,  a curve or surface that cuts all the curves or surfaces of a given system at a constant angle.

trajectory

/ -trɪ, trəˈdʒɛktaɪl, trəˈdʒɛktərɪ /

noun

1. the path described by an object moving in air or space under the influence of such forces as thrust, wind resistance, and gravity, esp the curved path of a projectile

2. geometry a curve that cuts a family of curves or surfaces at a constant angle

trajectory

1. Physics,  The line or curve described by an object moving through space.

2. Mathematics,  A curve or surface that passes through a given set of points or intersects a given series of curves or surfaces at a constant angle.

Other Word Forms

• trajectile adjective
• trajection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of trajectory¹

First recorded in 1660–70; from New Latin trājectōria, noun use of feminine of Medieval Latin trājectōrius “casting over”; equivalent to traject + -tory ¹

Example Sentences

Our current trajectory is leading us towards warming of about 2.7C above pre-industrial levels by the end of this century – which would see three-quarters of ice lost eventually.

Read more on BBC

Where he is as a Bruin could put him on a trajectory to much greater success.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

America’s most successful consumer boycotts have had a single target, a united body, and a straightforward tactic — a trajectory that could result in transformative change.

Read more on Salon

UCLA’s report notes that the labor market “deteriorated notably” in June while inflation pivoted away from a path of “gradual normalization” onto a rising trajectory.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"It is crazy," said Bell, when asked about the trajectory of her career since that tournament.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• curve 
• orbit 
• path 

When To Use

What does trajectory mean?

The trajectory of an object is the path it follows once in flight or in motion.The word is especially used in the context of the path of projectiles like rockets, but it can be used in many different contexts.The trajectory of a golf ball is the curved path it follows in the air after being hit by a golf club. The trajectory of an asteroid is the path it follows in space. The potential trajectory of a storm is the route that it may travel.In geometry, trajectory is used in a more specific way to refer to a curve that intersects through a series of points at the same angle.Example: Try to determine the trajectory of the ball as it flies through the air so you can position yourself to catch it.