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ballistics

 - 4 dictionary results

bal⋅lis⋅tics

  [buh-lis-tiks]
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–noun (usually used with a singular verb)
1. the science or study of the motion of projectiles, as bullets, shells, or bombs.
2. the art or science of designing projectiles for maximum flight performance.
Origin:
1745–55; see ballistic, -ics

Related forms:
bal⋅lis⋅ti⋅cian  [bal-uh-stish-uhn] , noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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bal·lis·tics   (bə-lĭs'tĭks)   
n.   (used with a sing. verb)

    1. The study of the dynamics of projectiles.

    2. The study of the flight characteristics of projectiles.

    3. The study of the functioning of firearms.

    4. The study of the firing, flight, and effects of ammunition.

    1. The study of the functioning of firearms.

    2. The study of the firing, flight, and effects of ammunition.

adj.  Of, relating to, or engaging in the study of ballistics: a ballistics lab; ballistics experts.
bal'lis·ti'cian (bāl'ĭ-stĭsh'ən) n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

ballistics 
1753, from L. ballista "ancient military machine for hurling stones" (in Eng. from 1598), from Gk. ballistes, from ballizein "to throw," from PIE base *gwel- "to drip, spring forth, throw" (cf. Skt.apa-gurya "swinging;" see ball (2)). Ballistic missile first attested 1954, attained extreme heights, hence fig. expression go ballistic (mid-1980s) "become irrationally angry."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: bal·lis·tics
Pronunciation: b&-'lis-tiks
Function: noun plural but singular or plural in construction
1 a : the science of the motion of projectiles (as bullets) in flight b : the flight characteristics of a projectile (as a bullet)
2 : the study of the processes within a firearm as it is fired
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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