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trajectory

 - 3 dictionary results

tra⋅jec⋅to⋅ry

  [truh-jek-tuh-ree]
Use trajectory in a Sentence
–noun, plural -ries.
1. the curve described by a projectile, rocket, or the like in its flight.
2. Geometry. a curve or surface that cuts all the curves or surfaces of a given system at a constant angle.
Origin:
1660–70; < NL trājectōria, n. use of fem. of ML trājectōrius cast-ing over. See traject, -tory 1

Related forms:
tra⋅jec⋅tile  [truh-jek-til, -tahyl] , adjective
tra⋅jec⋅tion  [truh-jek-shuhn] , noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To trajectory
tra·jec·to·ry   (trə-jěk'tə-rē)   
n.   pl. tra·jec·to·ries

    1. The path of a projectile or other moving body through space.

    2. A chosen or taken course: "What died with [the assassinated leaders] was a moral trajectory, a style of aspiration" (Lance Morrow).

  2. Mathematics A curve that cuts all of a given family of curves or surfaces at the same angle.


[New Latin trāiectōria, feminine of trāiectōrius, from Latin trāiectus, past participle of trāicere, to throw across; see traject.]
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

trajectory  (n.)
1696, from Mod.L. trajectoria, from fem. of trajectorius "of or pertaining to throwing across," from L. trajectus "thrown over or across," pp. of trajicere "throw across," from L. trans- "across" + icere, combining form of jacere "to throw" (see jet). Used in L.L. and M.E. to mean "a funnel."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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