ballistics

[ buh-lis-tiks ]

/ bəˈlɪs tɪks /

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noun (usually used with a singular verb)

the science or study of the motion of projectiles, as bullets, shells, or bombs.

the art or science of designing projectiles for maximum flight performance.

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Origin of ballistics

First recorded in 1745–55; see origin at ballistic, -ics

OTHER WORDS FROM ballistics

bal·lis·ti·cian

[bal-uh-stish-uhn], /ˌbæl əˈstɪʃ ən/, noun

Words nearby ballistics

ballistic, ballistic camera, ballistic galvanometer, ballistic missile, ballistic pendulum, ballistics, ballistic trajectory, ballistic wind, ballistite, ballistocardiogram, ballistocardiograph

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ballistics in a sentence

A new set of ballistics tests determined Maceo’s weapon was used in both shootings, Miami-Dade PD Interim Chief Manuel Morales said in December.
‘Suspected Serial Killer’ Murdered ‘Vulnerable’ Homeless Men in Street, Authorities Say|Justin Rohrlich|February 4, 2022|The Daily Beast
By collecting 3D images of fragments, the tech can lead to armor designs more capable of resisting blasts, among other vital ballistics insights.
The most transformative security innovations of 2021|Kelsey D. Atherton and Purbita Saha|December 3, 2021|Popular-Science
In March, the ATF embedded a machine in the Columbia Police Department to process the ballistics data.
How Missouri’s Absurd New Gun Law Hurts Police Departments and Shooting Victims|Andrew Boryga|August 25, 2021|The Daily Beast
You have access to a handful of sound profiles, including a competitive mode for detecting footsteps, an ultra-low ballistics mode for punchy explosions, and non-gaming options “music” and “warm.”
Audeze Mobius gaming headset review: Surround sound all around|Michael Epstein|August 24, 2021|Popular-Science

One of the selling points of the technology was that it could capture DNA and ballistics information useful to investigators, but not all the stats previously offered by SDPD hold up today.
Morning Report: Shotspotter’s Uncertain Future|Voice of San Diego|March 1, 2021|Voice of San Diego
He admitted in court that he was not a pathologist, and that he did not have any formal training in ballistics or sound.
Disastrous Turn By Star Witness For Pistorius Defense|Kelly Berold|April 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As he puts it in terms that could apply to ballistics, he is “plotting an arc of motions that plotted me.”
Joseph McElroy’s ‘Cannonball’ Is the Meta Iraq War Novel|Tom LeClair|July 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But DiMaio, with his ballistics and forensic credentials, may have been more persuasive.
Experts: George Zimmerman Just Caught a Big Break|Christine Pelisek|July 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
To be sure, there are professorships, and ballistics experts in the Navy, but these aren't actually all that well paid.
Educational Inequality|Megan McArdle|June 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He was tied to the cases through ballistics and DNA evidence.
The Grim Sleeper’s Trial Is Moving at Snail’s Pace, and Victims’ Families Are Furious|Christine Pelisek|March 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Ballistics tests proved that it was Jeff's gun which had killed both Biggert and Carlson.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
Another interesting and profitable province of the cinematograph is that concerning ballistics.
Practical Cinematography and Its Applications|Frederick Arthur Ambrose Talbot
Have you ever had any formal training in ballistics or in exit wounds or entrance wounds—bullet wounds?
Warren Commission (6 of 26): Hearings Vol. VI (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
Well, I am not an expert on ballistics, but one cannot escape certain ballistic implications in this business.
Warren Commission (6 of 26): Hearings Vol. VI (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
Investigating the wound ballistics of various bullets and other military missiles.
Warren Commission (5 of 26): Hearings Vol. V (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

British Dictionary definitions for ballistics

ballistics

/ (bəˈlɪstɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the study of the flight dynamics of projectiles, either through the interaction of the forces of propulsion, the aerodynamics of the projectile, atmospheric resistance, and gravity (exterior ballistics), or through these forces along with the means of propulsion, and the design of the propelling weapon and projectile (interior ballistics)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for ballistics

ballistics

[ bə-lĭs′tĭks ]

The scientific study of the characteristics of projectiles, such as bullets or missiles, and the way they move in flight.