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Glite Dictionary
💥 A thrown object ➡️ Moving forward
projectile

projectile

1 7.1
Moving through the air because a force pushes it, not by its own power
  • adjective
  • /prəˈdʒɛktaɪl/
translation icon : impulsado
  • He described the comet's projectile movement through space.

Like I feel really sick and before I knew it I was projectile vomiting.

Examples

  • The invention used a projectile mechanism to accelerate particles.

  • The missile followed a projectile path toward its target.

  • The projectile soared through the air.

  • A projectile was launched from the cannon.

  • The missile was designed to be a highly accurate projectile capable of hitting distant targets.

  • During the demonstration, the engineer explained how the projectile is propelled by a powerful spring mechanism.

  • The machine can launch a projectile at a speed exceeding 300 miles per hour.

Synonyms

ballistic
vsprojectile
  • Specialized
53 7.6

The movement of an object after it is thrown that continues because of gravity

is about simply being moved forward, not describing motion under gravity
propulsive
vsprojectile
2 6.7

Giving a strong push that moves something forward, like an engine

is about being driven forward rather than having driving power
propelling
vsprojectile
3.6

Causing something to move forward

is about being moved forward rather than causing motion
propellant
vsprojectile
6.8

Causing something to move forward

is about being pushed forward rather than causing motion in others
catapultic
vsprojectile
9.6

Something that happens suddenly with great force, moving forward as if thrown far

is about being moved forward generally rather than sudden violent motion

Antonyms

stationary
46 2.9

Not moving and staying in one place

How Propelled

projectile
1 7.1
moving
1 1.0
drifting
3.7
stationary
46 2.9

Surface Forms

projectile positive

Morphology

projectile = project (semi-transparent) = project + ile

As an adjective meaning 'propelled forward', the word is analyzable, but learners may be misled by the more frequent sense of 'project' (plan) and may not recognize '-ile' as forming this meaning.

Etymology

Projectile as an adjective also comes from pro- 'forward' and -ject 'to throw'. So calling a movement 'projectile' means it is pushed or moves quickly 'forward', like something thrown.