Word Origin & History
ballistics1753, from L. ballista "ancient military machine for hurling stones," from Gk. ballistes, from ballein "to throw, to throw so as to hit," also in a looser sense, "to put, place, lay;" from PIE base *gwele- "to throw, reach," in extended senses "to pierce" (cf. Skt. apa-gurya "swinging," balbaliti "whirls,
twirls;" Gk. bole "a throw, beam, ray," belemnon "dart, javelin," belone "needle"). Here, too, probably belongs Gk. ballizein "to dance," lit. "to throw one's body," ancient Gk. dancing being highly athletic.