Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to the science of projectiles or firearms: Pertaining to the study of the motion, behavior, and effects of projectiles, especially bullets, shells, or missiles.
   • Relating to the motion of objects under their own momentum and gravity: Describing the flight path of an object that is launched, thrown, or fired and is subject only to the forces of gravity and its initial propulsion.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The engineers conducted a ballistic test on the new armor plating. (The engineers performed a test related to projectile impact on the new armor plating.)
  • The missile follows a ballistic trajectory once its engines cut off. (The missile follows a path governed only by momentum and gravity after its engines stop.)
  • Ballistic data is crucial for accurate long-range shooting. (Information about a projectile's flight is essential for hitting distant targets.)

Advanced Usage

• "to go ballistic" (idiomatic): To become extremely angry or lose one's temper in an explosive manner.
  • My boss went ballistic when he saw the mistake in the report. (My boss became extremely angry when he saw the error.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ballistics (noun): The science that deals with the motion, behavior, and effects of projectiles.
  • He studied ballistics to become a forensic expert.
• Ballistically (adverb): In a manner relating to ballistics.
  • The material performed ballistically as predicted.

Synonyms

• Projectile-related: Pertaining to objects thrown or shot through the air.
• Trajectorial: Relating to the curved path of an object in flight.

Related Phrases

• Ballistic missile: A missile that is guided only during the initial powered phase of its flight and then follows a ballistic trajectory.
  • The treaty aimed to reduce the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
• Ballistic coefficient: A measure of a projectile's ability to overcome air resistance in flight.
  • A higher ballistic coefficient means the bullet is more efficient in flight.

Related Idioms

• Go ballistic: (See "Advanced Usage" above).

Adjective

1. relating to or characteristic of the motion of objects moving under their own momentum and the force of gravity
   • ballistic missile