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

Dr Chris Shepherd, an expert in ballistic wounds who has been running tests in an experimental ballistics facility at the University of Kent, said catapults could be lethal.

From BBC

We spoke to five ballistics experts, and used software that analyses the sound of shooting on videos, to help establish the trajectory of bullets.

From BBC

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

Commenting on the combined use of aerial weapons, Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said: "The enemy is improving its own tactics of using drones, while simultaneously striking with ballistics."

From BBC

A ballistics expert testified that casings and projectiles from the scene matched a weapon found under Syed's bed.

From BBC