Meaning & Definition of word "Missile"
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Missile
/ˈmɪs.əl/
noun:
- 1. A weapon that is designed to be sent in the direction of a target and that travels through the air either powered or guided.
- Example: The military launched a missile to demonstrate its new capabilities.
- 2. A self-propelled weapon, typically one that is guided towards a target.
- Example: The country has developed a new long-range missile capable of reaching distant targets.
- 3. An object propelled at high speed, typically to cause injury or damage.
- Example: The protestors used rocks as missiles against the police barricade.
Etymology
Late Latin 'missilis', meaning 'throwable'
Common Phrases and Expressions
ballistic missile:
A missile with a high, arcing trajectory that is powered at launch and then follows a free-fall path to the target.
cruise missile:
A guided missile that flies at a constant speed along a relatively level flight path.
surface-to-air missile:
A missile designed to be launched from the ground to intercept and destroy air targets.
Related Words
rocketry:
The science and technology of designing and launching rockets.
warhead:
The explosive or destructive component of a missile.
launch pad:
A platform from which a missile or rocket is launched.
Slang Meanings of missile
Meaning: A term used to describe something that is fast or powerful.
Example Sentence: That new car is a total missile on the highway.