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

Vera first ordered restrictions in July on the use of 40mm projectile launchers, tear gas, stun grenades and other crowd control weapons at street protests.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The man, in his 30s, was injured after being hit with a ball bearing, a small metal projectile fired by catapults.

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The projectile fell in the area and that no injuries or damage were reported, it added.

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There is not yet much coming with “Something Coming,” but his agile voice is a clean, clear tenor projectile expandable into operatic fortissimos and toned down into sweet, soft Broadway-esque whispers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The use of so-called less-lethal projectile launchers and other weapons designed to subdue rather than kill has come under renewed scrutiny after police turned to them often during recent protests against federal immigration enforcement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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