trajectory
Americannoun
plural
trajectories-
the curve described by a projectile, rocket, or the like in its flight.
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Geometry. a curve or surface that cuts all the curves or surfaces of a given system at a constant angle.
noun
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the path described by an object moving in air or space under the influence of such forces as thrust, wind resistance, and gravity, esp the curved path of a projectile
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geometry a curve that cuts a family of curves or surfaces at a constant angle
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Physics The line or curve described by an object moving through space.
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Mathematics A curve or surface that passes through a given set of points or intersects a given series of curves or surfaces at a constant angle.
Usage
What does trajectory mean? The trajectory of an object is the path it follows once in flight or in motion.The word is especially used in the context of the path of projectiles like rockets, but it can be used in many different contexts.The trajectory of a golf ball is the curved path it follows in the air after being hit by a golf club. The trajectory of an asteroid is the path it follows in space. The potential trajectory of a storm is the route that it may travel.In geometry, trajectory is used in a more specific way to refer to a curve that intersects through a series of points at the same angle.Example: Try to determine the trajectory of the ball as it flies through the air so you can position yourself to catch it.
Other Word Forms
- trajectile adjective
- trajection noun
Etymology
Origin of trajectory
First recorded in 1660–70; from New Latin trājectōria, noun use of feminine of Medieval Latin trājectōrius “casting over”; equivalent to traject + -tory 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The premium is deserved because of tech’s ability to sustain high earnings growth over the long-term—a trajectory based on AI demand that’s in its early stages —but it isn’t a large one.
From Barron's
The premium is deserved because of tech’s ability to sustain high earnings growth over the long-term—a trajectory based on AI demand that’s in its early stages —but it isn’t a large one.
From Barron's
Its sustained loan growth, operating leverage and moderating credit costs underpin a clear earnings trajectory for the bank over FY 2026-2028.
Instead, Buckley pursued her own trajectory in London's theatre landscape, taking a job in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music at the Menier Chocolate Factory theatre.
From BBC
It serves as a good approximation of labor demand and can provide some signal for the trajectory of monthly payroll growth.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
