projectile

[pruh-jek-til, -tahyl]

noun

1. an object fired from a gun with an explosive propelling charge, such as a bullet, shell, rocket, or grenade.

2. a body projected or impelled forward, as through the air.

adjective

1. impelling or driving forward, as a force.

2. caused by impulse, as motion.

3. capable of being impelled forward, as a missile.

4. Zoology.,  protrusile, as the jaws of a fish.

projectile

/ prəˈdʒɛktaɪl /

noun

1. an object or body thrown forwards

2. any self-propelling missile, esp one powered by a rocket or the rocket itself

3. any object that can be fired from a gun, such as a bullet or shell

adjective

1. capable of being or designed to be hurled forwards

2. projecting or thrusting forwards

3. zoology another word for protrusile

Word History and Origins

Origin of projectile¹

1655–65; < New Latin, neuter of prōjectilis (adj.) projecting. See project, -ile

Word History and Origins

Origin of projectile¹

C17: from New Latin prōjectilis jutting forwards

Example Sentences

The diamond-tipped projectile whisks past my ear and embeds itself in the wall behind me.

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The medical examiner retrieved a deformed metal projectile.

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Hundreds of young people threw projectiles at the police, who responded by deploying their shields and also threw objects at the protesters.

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A source from the intelligence service said seven projectiles had been fired, while an AFP journalist in the area heard 10 explosions.

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Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez, who represents District 13, is pushing for regulations that would prohibit the Los Angeles Police Department from using “kinetic energy projectiles” or “chemical agents” unless officers are threatened with physical violence.

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Related Words

• arrow 
• bullet 
• dart 
• missile 
• rocket 
• torpedo