missile
n. countablen. a weapon that is sent through the air to hit a target far away. It usually has its own engine and a computer to help it find the right spot.
n. a self-propelled or guided weapon system designed to deliver an explosive warhead to a specific target. Often distinguished from rockets by the presence of a guidance system.
The ship fired a missile at the target.
Military experts are worried about the new long-range missile that can reach other continents.
The treaty aims to limit the proliferation of ballistic missile technology, which has significantly altered the strategic balance of power in the region over the last decade.
From Latin missile (“thrown weapon, projectile”), neuter of missilis (“throwable, capable of being thrown”), from mittere (“to send”). From 1611. Compare Middle French missile (“projectile”), from 1636.
Commonly modified by adjectives describing its range (short-range, long-range) or its launch and target points (surface-to-air).