ENGLISH
REFERENCE

projectile

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //pɹəˈdʒɛktaɪɫ// UK //pɹədʒˈɛktaɪl// pro·jec·tile

n. an object that is thrown or shot through the air with force. It can be anything from a ball to a bullet.

n. an object propelled through space by the application of an external force, continuing in motion by its own inertia. Often used in technical contexts to describe missiles, shells, or objects in ballistic flight.


SIMPLE

The stone became a projectile when he threw it.

CONTEXTUAL

Safety goggles are required in the lab to protect your eyes from any stray projectile during the experiment.

COMPLEX

In physics, the path of a projectile is determined by its initial velocity and the influence of gravity, resulting in a predictable parabolic trajectory when air resistance is negligible.

Synonyms
Origin

From Medieval Latin prōiectilis (“projectile”), from Latin prōiectus, perfect passive participle of prōiciō (“throw forth; extend; expel”).

Usage

Commonly used as a modifier in the phrase 'projectile vomiting' to describe a forceful medical symptom.

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