trajectory

American  

[truh-jek-tuh-ree] / trəˈdʒɛk tə ri /

noun

plural

trajectories

1. the curve described by a projectile, rocket, or the like in its flight.

2. Geometry. a curve or surface that cuts all the curves or surfaces of a given system at a constant angle.

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trajectory British  

/ -trɪ, trəˈdʒɛktaɪl, trəˈdʒɛktərɪ /

noun

1. 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

2. geometry a curve that cuts a family of curves or surfaces at a constant angle

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trajectory Scientific  

/ trə-jĕk′tə-rē /

1. Physics The line or curve described by an object moving through space.

2. 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.

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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

Explanation

If you stay on your current trajectory of constant shopping, dining out, and yacht rentals, you'll end up broke. A trajectory is the path of an object through space, or the path of life that a person chooses. Trajectory comes from the Latin trajectoria, which means "throw across." The prefix tra- is short for trans-, which means "across" (think transport and transit) and the ject comes from jacere, which means "throw" and is also the root of the word jet. If you wanted to describe the path of a jet through the sky, you could refer to the jet's trajectory.

Example Sentences

In their paper, the team reports on their new "Chauhan Weighted Trajectory Analysis," which they developed to improve on the Kaplan-Meier estimator, the standard tool since 1959.

From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 2023

“Low albedo. Trajectory that put it in line with the sun. Small—” “We should have seen it!”

From The Verge • Jun. 24, 2018

Charles Emerson's oil-on-canvas "Trajectory of Angels" evokes the essence rather than specifics of angelic beings making fiery, ethereal traceries across a backdrop of autumnal colors.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 2, 2012

In 2006, Tate St Ives held the exhibition John Hoyland: The Trajectory of a Fallen Angel, bringing together paintings from 1966 to 2003.

From The Guardian • Aug. 1, 2011

Trajectory and force would depend upon velocity; the latter must depend upon the volume of gas generated by explosion.

From Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1 by Baker, Samuel White, Sir

Related Words

• curve
• orbit
• path