ballistics

American  

[buh-lis-tiks] / bəˈlɪs tɪks /

noun

(usually used with a singular verb)

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

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

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ballistics British  

/ bəˈlɪstɪks /

noun

1. (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 )

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ballistics Scientific  

/ bə-lĭs′tĭks /

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

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Other Word Forms

• ballistician noun

Etymology

Origin of ballistics

First recorded in 1745–55; ballistic, -ics

Example Sentences

Moira Orr, who leads on homicide and major crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said the case was built on eyewitness accounts, ballistics, DNA, CCTV, mobile phone communications and cell site data.

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2025

However, two ballistics experts have cast doubt on Baldwin’s claims, including an FBI forensic examiner who testified Monday in the criminal trial of Hannah Gutierrez, the “Rust” armorer who loaded the actor’s weapon that day.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2024

The analysis from experts in ballistics and forensic testing relied on replacement parts to reassemble the gun fired by Baldwin, after parts of the pistol were broken during testing by the FBI.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 19, 2024

A government ballistics expert says the issue is "a top-line threat priority".

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2024

Agents were increasingly trained in what Hoover hailed as “scientific policing,” such as fingerprint and ballistics techniques.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann